Harris urges municipalities to increase recreational opportunities for residents

SPRINGFIELD – To increase recreational opportunities for local communities, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III (D-Chicago) is urging municipalities to apply for the Illinois Bicycle Path Grant Program.

“The grant can assist local governments with increasing recreational opportunities for residents to keep them active and allow for other means of transportation,” Harris said. “Outdoor activities, such as a bike trail, will have a positive effect on bringing communities together and creates another eco-friendly transportation option.”

Funds for the Bicycle Path Grant Program are administered by Illinois Department of Natural Resources. These grants are intended for the acquisition of land or development of facilities for bicycle paths. The Bicycle Path Grant Program was approved by the Illinois General Assembly in 1989, and funding comes from a percentage of motor vehicle title fees.

Combined with previous years’ funding, IDNR has awarded grants that have helped develop nearly 1,000 miles of local government bicycle trails in Illinois since 1990.

The grant applications deadline is March 2, 2020 at 5 p.m. For more information and how to apply for the grant, visit IDNR’s website at www.dnr.illinois.gov/grants/Pages/BikePathProgram.aspx.

Harris announces library grants to south suburb school districts

HARVEY – Twelve local school districts will receive more than $17,000 in grants through the Illinois secretary of state’s School Library Grant program, State Senator Napoleon Harris, III announced Wednesday.

The grants, which are issued by the Illinois State Library, are meant to help public schools offer more library books and materials to students.

“I am thrilled to announce that schools in the south suburbs will receive additional funding for their libraries,” Harris (D-Harvey) said. “This grant will provide assistance with helping schools gather more materials to enhance students reading abilities and hopefully increase the number of students who want to pick up a book.”

Schools receiving school library grants include:

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Harris: State grant will help firefighters save lives and homes

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III recently announced that the office of the State Fire Marshal is now accepting applications for the competitive Small Equipment Grant program.

“Firefighters are some of the most brave and fearless public servants,” Harris said. “This grant will provide additional assistance to ensure firefighters stay equipped with the necessary tools to save lives and protect homes.”

The program allows fire departments, fire protection districts and township fire departments, as well as not-for-profit emergency medical service providers to access up to $26,000 in grant funds. Applications must be postmarked no later than Feb. 29, 2020.

A total of $3.5 million is available for this application cycle. For more information and access to the application visit https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/sfm/Iam/FireDepartment/Grants-and-Loans/Pages/default.aspx.

Harris: Expansion of senior transportation benefits will keep families connected

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Napoleon Harris, III urged seniors to inform themselves about the Illinois Department of Aging’s new and more inclusive income limits for the Secretary of State License Plate Discount, Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit, and Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride.

“Raising the income limits for these programs will aid some of the most deprived individuals and seniors throughout the state,” Harris said. “Providing seniors access to transportation is not only critical to their connections to family and friends. For many, it’s what allows them to pursue their day-to-day activities.”

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