The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) has announced a funding opportunity through the State Participation in Local Lead Projects Program, specifically for roadway improvements or new construction benefiting public safety and economic development. The program has allocated $11.5 million in state funding for a single, non-competitive grant, intended to support projects involving state-jurisdiction roadways or those aligning with state interests. Eligible expenses include preliminary engineering, construction, construction engineering, and contingencies.

This grant is designated for a single for-profit entity, Rivian, headquartered at 100 North Rivian Motorway, Normal, Illinois. The funding is specific to projects connected to properties adjacent to State Highway 150. Eligible applicants must be prequalified under the Grant Accountability and Transparency Act (GATA) and meet requirements including an active Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) number registered on SAM.gov. Additional prequalification involves completing fiscal and administrative risk assessments and maintaining compliance with state and federal regulations.

Applications opened on January 6, 2025, and must be submitted by February 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM CST. Required materials include the GATA application, uniform budget, grantee conflict of interest disclosure, and programmatic risk assessment. Applicants must also be GATA-registered and prequalified. There is no technical assistance session offered for this grant.

The grant does not require cost-sharing, matching funds, or indirect costs. The anticipated award date and project timeline will be determined later. Monthly reporting is required for funded activities, as specified in the grant agreement. Notifications of the award will be issued through the GATA portal for grantee review and acceptance. Interested parties can direct inquiries to Dianne Seck at Dianne.Seck@Illinois.gov.

This program underscores IDOT’s commitment to facilitating infrastructure development that supports economic growth and public safety while focusing on strategic roadway enhancements.