Westmont OKs application for ITEP streetscape funding for Cass Avenue

The Village Board authorized staff to apply for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) funding for downtown Cass Avenue streetscape improvements and committed the village to provide required local matching funds if the grant is awarded.

Director Reese explained how ITEP scoring and funding typically work: "So the ITEP grant will fund 80% of eligible engineering design, construction, construction engineering and 50% of right of way acquisition... The maximum you can get for ITEP is $2,000,000, so we would have to provide a local match of at least $500,000 depending on how big the project was," Reese said. Staff said improvements could include a bike lane, street lighting and other streetscape elements and that the project would likely be programmed for 2028 if funded.

Trustees approved the resolution to apply by roll call and asked staff to prepare the application and identify the required local match for future budget consideration.