Projects proposed in Moline and East Moline are among 54 across Illinois to receive federal funding.

Gov. Pat Quinn and Illinois Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider on Wednesday announced $1.9 million in Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program funds is destined for East Moline to build the Union Trail segment of the Grand Illinois Trail, and $742,830 is headed to Moline for streetscape improvements on Avenue of the Cities, from 34th to 41st streets.

Nearly $50 million in ITEP funds was distributed,according to a news release from Gov. Quinn's office. The funds are intended to develop alternative transportation options, the release said. Funded projects included bike paths, walking trails, historic preservation andstreetscaping.

The federal funds are awarded competitively, and any local or state government with taxing authority can apply. Local matching funds are required, and work must begin on the projects within three years, according to the release.

Pat Burke, Moline's economic development manager, said the streetscaping is an extension of the improvements completed a couple of years ago on Avenue of the Cities between 27th and 34th streets.

Improvements may include stamped concrete sidewalks, decorative streetlights, planters and benches. No road work will be done, as the road was recently rebuilt, he said.

Mr. Burke said the earliest work will start in 2014.

Details on the Great River Trail bicycle project in East Moline was not available on Wednesday.

For the current round of funding, the Illinois Department of Transportation received 328
applications with nearly $327 million in requests, according to the release. This year IDOT will begin awarding the funds annually instead of every two years.

"This major investment in community transportation projects throughout Illinois will help improve the
quality of life for everyone," Gov. Quinn said in the release. "These projects will create hundreds of jobs while preserving our heritage, beautifying communities and creating new transportation options across our state for pedestrians,bicyclists and others."