Illinois transportation officials announced $31 million in grants for biking and walking paths, trails and beaufitication projects.

The grants are administered by the state but come from a federal allotment to be used for that purpose.

The winners in our region include Eldorado, which will get $274,000 for pedestrian access on Route 45 and Route 142.

And Carbondale, which will get more than $700,000 for a pedestrian and bike path connecting New Era Road to Oakland Avenue.

These grants are 80 percent matching grants. Local municipalities must come up with 20 percent of the money to do the project.