RYAN ANNOUNCES FUNDING FOR FOX RIVER TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS

SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. George H. Ryan today announced a $370,000 grant to enhance the Fox River Trail in Elgin, Illinois. The grant will be used to replace an on-street bike route with an off-street right-of-way.

"This represents an important way that state government can help local communities improve their quality of life," Ryan said. "Trail developments promote outdoor recreation and tourism for the entire area."

Funds will be used to purchase a right-of-way from the Union Pacific Railroad for construction of the connection. The project is designed to close a 5,100 foot gap in the trail from Kimball Street to Slade Avenue within the City of Elgin.

The Kane County Forest Preserve District will build the trail, using their own funds, between the current end of the trail and North Grove Avenue. As a part of this project, the City of Elgin will use grant funds to build 800 ft. of trail in the street right-of-way between North Grove Avenue and the existing trail at Kimball Street. The project also involves trail and curb construction, signal relocation and modification, trial lighting and engineering.

The grant was appropriated by the General Assembly through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. The funds for this project were included in the FY 1999 budget at the request of Rep. Douglas Hoeft (R-Elgin).