The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is now accepting applications to develop and implement projects that enable and encourage children to safely walk or bike to school.
The $5 million program provides funding for infrastructure improvements such as pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements, new or improved sidewalks and bike racks.It also helps fund non-infrastructure activities such as walk to school days, bike rodeos, public awareness campaigns and educational programs, the department explained.
"Ensuring that Ohio children get to school safely by walking and biking is just as important as ensuring safe travels in a school bus or car," said Gov. Mike DeWine in a prepared statement. "The additional funding provided to this program will allow more communities and schools to make routes between home and school safe, convenient and accessible."
Eligible applicants include local governments, school districts, health districts, park districts or key nonprofit partners involved in advancing safe routes to school in communities. Infrastructure projects, however, can only be awarded to a city, village, county or township.
ODOT will make awards on a competitive basis to projects that have been identified in a School Travel Plan, Active Transportation Plan, or similar plan approved by the department. The 2023 SRTS Application Guidance can be found online HERE.
To assist local governments in developing a School Travel Plan (STP), ODOT is also accepting applications for STP development assistance. Questions about the SRTS application process can be sent to Caitlin Harley at Caitlin.Harley@dot.ohio.gov.
Projects will be selected based on their ability to demonstrate improved connectivity, improved safety, impact on school trips, and need. Additionally, projects will be reviewed for accurate cost estimates, program sustainability, and overall community commitment to implementing the project or program.
Additional information on applying is available online transportation.ohio.gov/saferoutes.
The application deadline is Friday, March 3, 2023.
This article is from Hannah News Service.