Gov. Pat Quinn said Saturday the money will pay for 71 projects across the state, including bike paths, walking trails, historic preservation and streetscape beautification.
The money comes from the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program — federal money that is doled out competitively and encourages transportation-related projects.
Quinn says the projects will support more than 400 jobs.
The program is designed to encourage alternative transportation options, including bike and pedestrian trails and streetscape upgrades. Local matching funds are required.
The current round of applications to the Illinois Department of Transportation included 232 applications requesting funding totaling nearly $261 million.