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TO: Mayor John Laesch and City Council
FROM: Tim Weidner, P.E., Engineering Coordinator
DATE: September 10, 2026
SUBJECT:
A resolution authorizing the Mayor to appropriate funds for the Eola Road - south of Autumn Grove Dr to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-use Path Project to cover engineering and construction cost if the project is selected for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant.
PURPOSE:
To appropriate funds for Eola Road Multi-Use Path project if project is awarded ITEP grant funds.
BACKGROUND:
The 2026 ITEP call for projects (Cycle 17) is currently open, and City staff have identified the Eola Rd corridor as a location for improvement. The proposed improvement will be an extension of an existing bike path on west side of Eola Road just south of Autumn Grove Dr to the Waubonsie Creek Trail. The improvement is recognized in the Bicycle Pedestrian plan and should encourage alternate modes of transport. The path will connect residential neighborhoods to schools, the library, community center and businesses.
DISCUSSION:
The proposed improvements will involve installing 8-10 feet wide asphalt multi-use path, sidewalk installation, drainage work, improvements to pedestrian signals, ADA ramps, pavement markings, striping, restoration and other pertinent work.
Staff recommend applying for ITEP funding on this and another project along Ogden Ave. The limits of both projects are shown on the location map included as Exhibit A.
ITEP is a reimbursable grant program with an 80/20 split for non-R.O.W. expenses (80% federal share and 20% local share) and a 50/50 split for R.O.W. If the project is selected, the City will be required to pay up-front cost for all Engineering Phases and submit paperwork to be reimbursed. The maximum ITEP award, per project, is capped at $5 million.
The proposed project is approximately 1.12 miles in length. The construction cost is roughly estimated and shown in the CIP as $3.35 million, and the estimated total cost of the project is slightly over $4 million. These values are subject to change pending ongoing design. The City must commit to fully funding the 20% local share plus 100% of any overage or non-eligible expenses to be eligible to be awarded ITEP funding.
The deadline to apply for ITEP grant is October 5, 2026. To be eligible for the grant, the City is required to execute a resolution that shows City's financial commitment towards the project. This project is included in the CIP as GB178. The City's local share would likely be Motor Fuel Tax (MFT).
IMPACT STATEMENT:
No impacts anticipated.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Please forward to the Finance Committee for approval.
cc: Finance Committee
CITY OF AURORA, ILLINOIS
RESOLUTION NO. _________
DATE OF PASSAGE ________________
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A Resolution authorizing the Mayor to appropriate funds for the Eola Road - south of Autumn Grove Dr to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-use Path Project to cover engineering and construction cost if the project is selected for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant.
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WHEREAS, the City of Aurora has a population of more than 25,000 persons and is, therefore, a home rule unit under subsection (a) of Section 6 of Article VII of the Illinois Constitution of 1970; and
WHEREAS, subject to said Section, a home rule unit may exercise any power and perform any function pertaining to its government and affairs for the protection of the public health, safety, morals, and welfare; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities for its residents and visitors and improve overall connectivity to regional trails and other amenities including businesses and Transportation Center/commuter stations, thereby encouraging non-motorized travel modes, and promoting healthy lifestyles and enhancing overall well-being; and
WHEREAS, City wishes to apply for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant - Cycle 17 (2026) for the proposed project "Eola Road - south of Autumn Grove Dr to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-use Path Project"; and
WHEREAS, the City intends to construct an 8-10 foot wide multi-use path on Eola Road from just south of Autumn Grove Drive to the Waubonsie Creek Trail, extending an existing multi-use path and connecting to an existing regional trail. Other improvements will include signage installation, improvements to pedestrian signals, ADA ramps, pavement markings, striping, restoration and other pertinent work; and
WHEREAS, City is required to execute a resolution to show the financial commitment & support for the proposed project "Eola Road - south of Autumn Grove Dr to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-use Path Project", a mandatory eligibility requirement for a project to be considered for the ITEP Grant; and
WHEREAS, ITEP is a reimbursable grant program with an 80/20 split (80% federal & 20% local share) for non-R.O.W. expenses and 50/50 split for R.O.W. expenses. The ITEP funds are to be administered through the State and 80% of engineering cost will be reimbursed at a later stage with appropriate paperwork, if the project is selected for the ITEP Program; and
WHEREAS, the City commits to pay for its portion of project costs, including front-funding engineering, local match for construction, and 100% of any overage or ineligible work items if awarded funding; and
WHEREAS, this project is included in the City's Capital Improvement Program as item GB178.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Aurora, Illinois, as follows: A resolution authorizing the Mayor to reserve and appropriate funds for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) Grant (2026, Cycle-17), for Eola Road - south of Autumn Grove Dr to Waubonsie Creek Trail Multi-use Path Project, if grant is awarded to the City.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute any other such documents related to advancement and completion of the said project.