THE FOLLOWING IS A VERMILION COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT RELEASE
ABOVE: Figure 1: Rendering of the planned Glover Crossing over the Union Pacific Rail Line in St. Joseph, IL, between the existing trail in St. Joseph and Ogden
Champaign and Vermilion Counties, IL – The Champaign County Forest Preserve District (CCFPD), Vermilion County Conservation District (VCCD), and Urbana Park District (UPD) were awarded $11.2 million in funding through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, a multi-billion dollar funding package for infrastructure improvements across Illinois, to complete the remaining sections of the Kickapoo Rail Trail (KRT) in Champaign and Vermilion Counties.
The Kickapoo Rail Trail is a multi-use path that, once completed, will stretch 24.5 miles through several communities across county lines. 11.3 miles – just under half – of the trail is complete as of 2023.
RIGHT: Figure 2: Kickapoo Rail Trail completed and planned sections
There are several sections to be completed with the funds:
- Trail construction between St. Joseph and Ogden (CCFPD);
- Design and construction of a trailhead in Urbana (UPD);
- Design and construction of the trail from trailhead to the existing trail at E University Ave (US 150) and E Main St in Urbana (CCFPD); and
- Design and construction between Ogden and Oakwood through Fithian and Muncie (VCCD).
“We’re excited to receive the funding to complete the construction of the Kickapoo Rail Trail and provide this great amenity to the people and communities in Champaign and Vermilion Counties,” said Lorrie Pearson, Executive Director of the Champaign County Forest Preserve District.
Funds from the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), will enable CCFPD, VCCD, and UPD to complete this inter-governmental effort to provide a safe, off-street transportation and recreation option and bring neighboring communities closer together.
