SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Transportation has resumed mowing grass and soon will begin cleaning dead animals off state highways, with the expectation that Gov. Rod Blagojevich will sign off on more money for the agency.

A DOT spokesman said because the department was forced to spend so much on winter cleanup, they ran out of money for spring maintenance, such as mowing and the collection of dead animals.

The department expects the governor to take action on a $20.1 million appropriation in coming days. The Illinois House and Senate approved the measure Saturday, the final day of legislative session.

"We're very optimistic it will get there soon. We're starting to phase back into normal operations," said DOT spokesman Mike Claffey. "We still have asked that IDOT personnel drive their own vehicles until this is signed, sealed and delivered."

Along with ceasing highway clean up, the department had instructed all of its employees to drive their own vehicles rather than the state-issued cars to curtail spending.

Claffey said the department needs the new money to purchase more fuel for vehicles before they can get back on the road.

The department continues to clean up any large obstruction that would have impaired driving, he said.

"We are pleased the General Assembly recognized the need," said Blagojevich spokesman Brian Williamsen. "We will be reviewing it before taking action."

Williamsen said the governor's office has yet to receive the actual legislation.