GLEN CARBON - State Senator Erica Harriss (56th-Glen Carbon) is proud to announce The Madison County Mass Transit District will receive a $388,000 grant through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Open Space Land Acquisition Development (OSLAD) program to further invest in the county’s trail system.

Sen. Erica Harriss“Our area has a strong connection to the outdoors and through this program MCT will now have funds available to enhance spaces for outdoor recreation,” said Senator Harriss. “When we can invest in outdoor projects for the people of my district, we are investing in their health, their livelihoods and overall quality of life.”

Get The Latest News!

Don't miss our top stories and need-to-know news everyday in your inbox.

Article continues after sponsor message

Madison County Mass Transit Managing Director SJ Morrison says the funding will go towards acquiring approximately 11 acres of undeveloped and agricultural land between Old Alton Edwardsville Road in Roxana, and Rock Hill Road in Wood River. The funding is part of a multiphase plan.

“The MCT Trails span more than 135 miles and connect 20 communities, forming one of the most extensive and interconnected trail systems in the country,” said Morrison. “Acquisition of these properties will enable MCT to extend the popular MCT Trails network to even more communities and Madison County residents while also providing new, safe bicycle/pedestrian access to Belk Park in Wood River and eventually to the Village of Bethalto,” concluded Morrison.

The City of O’Fallon also received a $600,000 grant to replace a pool at Community Park just outside the 56th District.

In the 36-year history of the program, OSLAD has provided more than $530 million for park projects across the state.

Prefer RiverBender on Google
Copyright 2026 Riverbender.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

More like this:

MCT July Service Change Begins Sunday, July 12
Yesterday
MCT Muny Express Returns for 2026 Season
Jun 15, 2026
Madison County Transit Unveils New Pedestrian Bridge Over IL-111
Jun 25, 2026
Future Shared Use Path To Connect Glen Carbon, Edwardsville High School Campus
Jun 12, 2026
Edwardsville Police Charge Collinsville Man In Vehicular Invasion, Battery Case
Jun 4, 2026