Washington, DC — U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has awarded a $99,000 grant to the City of Carrolton. The award is part of USDA Rural Development’s Rural Business Development Grant Program aimed at assisting with economic development planning and/or the financing or expansion of rural businesses. This grant will be used to construct a new bike path to bring pedestrian traffic into the city’s business district.

The project will also receive a $413,260 Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program (ITEP) grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Carrollton is contributing a local match of $4,450. The total project cost is $516,700.

“I’m excited for my constituents and local businesses in Carrollton who will benefit from this state and federal investment in their community,” said Davis. “Rural residents pay into the system and deserve to see these dollars reinvested in their communities.”

“The City of Carrollton is grateful that we have received the USDA Rural Business Development Grant. This grant will help enhance our park system which is a big asset to our community,” said Carrollton Mayor Mike Snyder.

Details from USDA

This Rural Development investment will be utilized to construct a pedestrian/bike path along an abandoned railroad in Carrollton, Illinois. The path, which will run near the city’s business district, will ideally entice those residents and visitors using the path to patronize those nearby businesses. The city estimates that at least 20 local businesses will benefit from the construction of this path.