20 ILCS 2705/2705-305
2021 Illinois Compiled Statutes|Chapter 20 - EXECUTIVE BRANCH|20 ILCS 2705/ - Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. (Department of Transportation Law)|Article 2705 - Department Of Transportation

Sec. 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.  (Source: P.A. 99-143, eff. 7-27-15.)