JERSEY COUNTY – A local transit agency is hoping to build a new office and dispatch facility and upgrade its equipment pending approval of state grant funds.
Stephanie Stahlhut, executive director of the Illinois Valley Economic Development Corporation, requested permission from the Jersey County Board to apply for a Transit Capital Grant for Tri-County Rural Transit. Illinois Valley operates Tri-County Rural Transit, which is funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
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Stahlhut said these grant funds would go towards the purchase of new computers and tablets, as well as two acres of land for a new office and dispatch facility. She said they plan to apply for another Transit Capital Grant next year to fund the construction of the new building itself.
The exact location of the future facility has not yet been determined and would somewhat depend on the grant funds received, but Stahlhut said it would be located within Jersey County. There is also no exact dollar amount laid out in the grant application, as this marks an early step in the planning process.
The grant funds would be awarded to Jersey County with Tri-County Transit listed as a sub-grantee. Stahlhut said there is no requirement for the county to contribute any matching funds to receive the grant.
County Board members unanimously approved the request to apply for the grant at their Sept. 8, 2026 meeting.
