IDOT Telegram - Humble heroes aren't in it for the fame

October 22, 2020

Humble heroes aren't in it for the fame

Sept. 25 wasn’t a typical day for two Emergency Patrol Vehicle operators in Metro East. David Taylor, a 10-year veteran, and Neil Grueninger, who joined IDOT less than 2 years ago, saved a man’s life.

Taylor was driving his normal route when he saw a car swerve and crash into a fence off of Interstate 55 in East St. Louis. Smoke and flames were coming from the vehicle. Taylor, who saw the driver was unconscious, quickly grabbed a hammer, knocked out a window and climbed in through the back seat. Two other men stopped to assist. With Taylor, they pulled the man out just before the car became fully engulfed in flames.

GET THE FULL STORY HERE

Nov. 2 deadline for Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program

The deadline for the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program is fast approaching.

This year’s program is the largest ever due to the passage of Gov. Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois and for the first time dedicates resources to communities with the greatest needs.

“Part of our core mission at IDOT is empowering disadvantaged communities and working with local decision makers to improve transportation options and quality of life,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Under Gov. Pritzker, we have made major improvements to the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program that will mean greater participation and more resources where they are needed most.”

Projects eligible for funding through ITEP include biking and walking paths, trails, streetscape beautification work and other improvements designed to encourage safe travel across the various modes of transportation at the local level.

Applications for the program are due Nov. 2 and the maximum award is $2 million.

Click here to learn more and apply!

District Updates

District 5 celebrated the third successful summer of a partner pollinator project with Pheasants Forever and Ameren in Vermilion County along U.S. 150 near Oakwood. The pollinator site features a variety of blooms in what was once an area full of overgrown brush. Many sightings have been made there this year, including monarchs, tiger swallowtails, hummingbird moths, goldfinches and lots of bees.

Pollinator projects such as these are part of IDOT’s revised mowing practices throughout the state to help create and maintain habitat for pollinators, including the monarch butterfly – the official state insect of Illinois since 1975 and at risk of being declared endangered. Pollinators play a vital role in the Illinois ecosystem and agricultural economy by aiding in the reproduction of flowers, fruits and vegetables.

Click here to view a short video about IDOT’s mowing schedules and its work with pollinators.

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