Palatine pursues ITEP grant for Smith Street connection to Jens Jensen Forest Preserve; council asked to commit 20% match

Village staff briefed the Infrastructure & Environment Committee on an ITEP grant opportunity to fund a pedestrian and bicycle trail linking Smith Street at Dundee to the Jens Jensen Forest Preserve. The grant program opened in early May and the application cycle closes June 17, staff said; one recommendation of the Peloton bicycle transportation plan is to make this connection and it would be an eligible grant item.

The staff presentation noted the council would need to adopt a resolution committing the village to provide the project's local match (approximately 20%) if the grant application moves forward. Resident Gail Artrip spoke in support during public comment, praising recent bike-route signage and urging the council to pursue the grant to improve safe access to the preserve: "I just wanted to commend the council for the work that you've been doing of late... this pursuit of the grant for tonight is particularly important." The committee directed staff to prepare the grant package and place related items on the consent agenda for council action.