State Senator Li Arellano Jr. has announced nearly $3.34 million in funding for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure projects across the 37th Senate District, part of the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program. The Village of Walnut will receive $357,144 to create a new, continuous 10-foot-wide multi-use path along Main Street, improving connections for walkers and cyclists. In Mendota, a $3 million award will support the development of a 1.9-mile path stretching from the Amtrak Depot to Lake Kakusha and Mendota High School. These enhancements aim to boost safety, connectivity, and community development throughout the region.
“Investing in safe, modern infrastructure is critical to both quality of life and long-term economic development,” said Senator Arellano. “These projects are more than just paths, they’re investments in the future of our communities. I’m proud to see state dollars going directly into projects that improve daily life for residents and connect people to the places they live, work, and learn.”
“The Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program is a crucial part of Rebuild Illinois, helping make travel safer and more accessible in the communities that need it most,” said Gov. Pritzker. “Today, I’m proud to announce the largest investment in the program’s history, with more than $139 million going toward bike lanes, sidewalks, trails and other local improvements. This is just one part of the state’s larger effort to reverse decades of disinvestment and create more connected communities.”
Illinois has green-lit 66 infrastructure projects aimed at boosting safety and accessibility for local travelers. These initiatives range from new bike and pedestrian paths to upgraded trails and beautified streetscapes, encouraging residents to consider alternative modes of transportation. Funding for the projects comes from Rebuild Illinois, which has delivered an unprecedented investment this year. Notably, about 74% of the allocated funds will support work in communities that successfully showcased significant financial need. Officials say these efforts reflect a commitment to both equitable distribution of resources and the future of transportation across the state.
“Under the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is committed to working with communities to improve local mobility options while strengthening the state’s overall transportation network,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. “We’re proud to support these efforts by our local partners that create new opportunities to connect people with the important places in their lives.”
The following projects in the 37th District have received ITEP awards for 2025:
- Village of Walnut – Main Street Multi-Use Path Project
This project will replace two disconnected sidewalks and bike paths with a new, continuous 10-foot-wide multi-use path. It will be constructed along the east side of Main Street, stretching from approximately 200 feet north of 2nd Street to Walnut Street.
Awarded: $357,144 - City of Mendota – Shared Use Path Construction
The City of Mendota will construct a 1.9-mile, 10-foot-wide concrete shared-use path for bicycles and pedestrians. The path will begin just north of the Amtrak Depot and extend to the northwestern edge of the city, reaching Lake Kakusha and Mendota High School.
Awarded: $3,000,000
