Section 20 ILCS 2705/2705-305 - Grants for mass transportation(a) For the purpose of mass transportation grants and contracts, the following definitions apply: "Carrier" means any corporation, authority, partnership, association, person, or district authorized to provide mass transportation within the State.
"District" means all of the following:
(i) Any district created pursuant to the Local Mass Transit District Act.(ii) The Authority created pursuant to the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act.(iii) Any authority, commission, or other entity that by virtue of an interstate compact approved by Congress is authorized to provide mass transportation.(iv) The Authority created pursuant to the Regional Transportation Authority Act. "Facilities" comprise all real and personal property used in or appurtenant to a mass transportation system, including parking lots.
"Mass transportation" means transportation provided within the State of Illinois by rail, bus, or other conveyance and available to the general public on a regular and continuing basis, including the transportation of persons with disabilities or elderly persons as provided more specifically in Section 2705-310.
"Unit of local government" means any city, village, incorporated town, or county.
(b) Grants may be made to units of local government, districts, and carriers for the acquisition, construction, extension, reconstruction, and improvement of mass transportation facilities. Grants shall be made upon the terms and conditions that in the judgment of the Secretary are necessary to ensure their proper and effective utilization.(c) The Department shall make grants under this Law in a manner designed, so far as is consistent with the maintenance and development of a sound mass transportation system within the State, to: (i) maximize federal funds for the assistance of mass transportation in Illinois under the Federal Transit Act and other federal Acts; (ii) facilitate the movement of persons who because of age, economic circumstance, or physical infirmity are unable to drive; (iii) contribute to an improved environment through the reduction of air, water, and noise pollution; and (iv) reduce traffic congestion.(d) The Secretary shall establish procedures for making application for mass transportation grants. The procedures shall provide for public notice of all applications and give reasonable opportunity for the submission of comments and objections by interested parties. The procedures shall be designed with a view to facilitating simultaneous application for a grant to the Department and to the federal government.(e) Grants may be made for mass transportation projects as follows: (1) In an amount not to exceed 100% of the nonfederal share of projects for which a federal grant is made.(2) In an amount not to exceed 100% of the net project cost for projects for which a federal grant is not made.(3) In an amount not to exceed five-sixths of the net project cost for projects essential for the maintenance of a sound transportation system and eligible for federal assistance for which a federal grant application has been made but a federal grant has been delayed. If and when a federal grant is made, the amount in excess of the nonfederal share shall be promptly returned to the Department. In no event shall the Department make a grant that, together with any federal funds or funds from any other source, is in excess of 100% of the net project cost.
(f) Regardless of whether any funds are available under a federal grant, the Department shall not make a mass transportation grant unless the Secretary finds that the recipient has entered into an agreement with the Department in which the recipient agrees not to engage in school bus operations exclusively for the transportation of students and school personnel in competition with private school bus operators where those private school bus operators are able to provide adequate transportation, at reasonable rates, in conformance with applicable safety standards, provided that this requirement shall not apply to a recipient that operates a school system in the area to be served and operates a separate and exclusive school bus program for the school system.(g) Grants may be made for mass transportation purposes with funds appropriated from the Build Illinois Bond Fund consistent with the specific purposes for which those funds are appropriated by the General Assembly. Grants under this subsection (g) are not subject to any limitations or conditions imposed upon grants by any other provision of this Section, except that the Secretary may impose the terms and conditions that in his or her judgment are necessary to ensure the proper and effective utilization of the grants under this subsection.(h) The Department may let contracts for mass transportation purposes and facilities for the purpose of reducing urban congestion funded in whole or in part with bonds described in subdivision (b)(1) of Section 4 of the General Obligation Bond Act, not to exceed $75,000,000 in bonds.(i) The Department may make grants to carriers, districts, and units of local government for the purpose of reimbursing them for providing reduced fares for mass transportation services for students, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. Grants shall be made upon the terms and conditions that in the judgment of the Secretary are necessary to ensure their proper and effective utilization.(j) The Department may make grants to carriers, districts, and units of local government for costs of providing ADA paratransit service. Amended by P.A. 099-0143,§ 225, eff. 7/27/2015.Amended by P.A. 094-0091, § 55-35, eff. 7/1/2005. P.A. 90-774, eff. 8-14-98; 91-239, eff. 1-1-00.