Gov. Blagojevich awards $4.5 million for new paratransit vehicles across Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Governor Rod R. Blagojevich announced today that the state has awarded $4.5 million to pay for 77 ramp and lift-equipped vehicles that will improve rural public transportation across the state. In the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) Region 2 of northern Illinois, $975,568 will be awarded to purchase 19 vehicles.

"These grants will allow rural public transportation agencies to upgrade their paratransit vehicles to accommodate the needs of their passengers and get them to their destinations safely," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "The elderly and persons with disabilities rely on these services to get to doctors appointments, shopping and adult day care.  Without this service, they would have to rely on others for transportation or be forced to stay at home."

The funding is allocated through an application process administered by IDOT's Division of Public and Intermodal Transportation, which is responsible for supporting public and specialized transportation efforts throughout the state. The vans are used to provide transportation for medical and nutritional appointments, shopping, employment and other needs.

"IDOT is proud to be able to partner with these local agencies to provide enhanced transportation options and to help improve the quality of life for thousands of people across the state," said IDOT Secretary Milton R. Sees. "Supporting local efforts to provide rural public transportation is a vital part of IDOT's mission."

 Following are the agencies that received an award in IDOT Region 2:
      
COUNTY AGENCY NAME                                            VEHICLE AWARDS    
       
Boone Boone County 2  $125,466     
DeKalb DeKalb County 5  $277,883     
Grundy Grundy County 1  $62,733     
Henry  Henry County 2  $95,297    
Kankakee Kankakee County 1  $62,733     
Jo Daviess Jo Daviess County 3  $158,030    
Lee Lee County 3  $128,298     
Stephenson Malcom Eaton Enterprises  2  $65,128    
 
  Total    $975,568     
     

A complete list of recipients can be found on the IDOT Web site at www.dot.state.il.us.