SPRINGFIELD- The Decatur Park District has been selected to receive $57,500 in state dollars through the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield) announced Friday.

“This is a great investment for the city of Decatur, especially as we head into the warmer months of the year,” Turner said. “This grant creates an opportunity for safe activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts. It also opens up a new form of transportation for residents, which is a major plus for cyclist.”

The Park District will use the grant funding to acquire 31.7 acres of land located in the northwest portion of Decatur. The land will allow for access to the current 10-foot-wide asphalt bike trail, which is 9.8 miles long with an additional 1.5 miles under development. The added land will help complete the final 2 miles of the Stevens Creek Bikeway.

The Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program, which is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, has helped develop nearly 1,000 miles of local government bike trails in Illinois. This year, the program will fund seven bike path projects across the state totaling more than $800,000.

Learn more about the program, eligible projects and the application process here.