Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Brings Over $700,000 to the 16th District Through the Invest in Cook Grant Program
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Brings Over $700,000 to the 16th District Through the Invest in Cook Grant Program (Cook County, IL) — Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle joined the County’s Department of Transportation and Highways (DoTH) to announce the grant recipients of projects that will receive funding under the 2022 ‘Invest in Cook’ grant program.
“Making equitable investments to ensure that each community has a robust transportation infrastructure is essential to creating a more vibrant Cook County,” said President Preckwinkle. “Over half of projects receiving funding this year are in traditionally underserved areas. When we lift these communities up by making commuting easier and more accessible, we’re improving the quality of life for not only these residents but for all County residents.
A total of $8,985,634 will be distributed across 39 municipalities and three townships to fund two transit, 16 pedestrian, 11 bicycle, one freight and 13 road projects. Three of these projects are located within the 16th District, with grant money going to Northlake ($460,000), Berkeley ($176,000), and Forest View ($81,200).
This is the sixth year Invest in Cook grant funding has been awarded for transportation-related projects. Invest in Cook has awarded $48.7 million in grants for a total of 205 projects throughout Cook County since its inception in 2017.
“I am so excited to see continued investment into our 16th District communities,” said Cook County Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar. “This funding is effectively spent, aimed to deliver sustained improvements in our residents’ lives in equitable and accessible ways. The projects in Northlake, Berkeley and Forest View will allow residents to safely take advantage of all the great services and amenities these towns offer. I commit to never stop fighting for funding for the municipalities I serve, making sure our residents are supported at every level and in every corner of our district.”
The County’s investment of $8.9 million leverages significant additional local, state and federal funds, allowing nearly $27 million in transportation infrastructure engineering and construction to advance. Past projects funded by Invest in Cook have gone on to receive $3.00 of local, state or federal funding for every $1.00 of Invest in Cook awards.
Invest in Cook grants help municipalities further their transportation projects by providing the gap funding required to advance investing in the planning, engineering, right-of-way acquisition and construction associated with transportation improvements sponsored by local governments and private partners. Funding early project phases is crucial to unlock follow-on grant funding opportunities.
Commissioner Frank J. Aguilar Brings Over $700,000 to the 16th District Through the Invest in Cook Grant Program
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