Press Release - Governor Kaine Announces Safe Routes to School Program

Press Release - Governor Kaine Announces Safe Routes to School Program

- More than $13 million to be awarded for projects promoting biking and walking -

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the launch of a statewide "Safe Routes to School" program. The program encourages creation of additional opportunities for Virginia children in grades K-8 to safely walk or bike to school.

"We know that fewer children walk or bike to school than did a generation ago, and this is a lost opportunity," Governor Kaine said. "Improving access and safety so that children can walk or ride a bike to school will enhance the quality of life in communities across Virginia, provide opportunities for people to be more active, and reduce traffic and vehicle emissions around our schools."

The program will be funded by $13 million in federal funds through 2009, provided specifically for this purpose in the most recent reauthorization of the federal surface transportation program.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will administer the grant program and begin accepting applications this winter. Mini-grants of $5,000 will be available for the development of bicycle and pedestrian plans and project grants of up to $500,000 will be available for improvements such as improved crosswalk signalization, sidewalk extensions and trail connections.

Applications will be reviewed by VDOT with the assistance of a statewide advisory panel. The project grants will initially be focused on potential model schools. Priority will be given to schools with existing bicycle and pedestrian plans and a demonstrated capacity to advance improvements in coordination with other local authorities.

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/MediaRelations/NewsReleases/viewRelease.cfm?id=242