The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) recently awarded nearly 180 schools statewide $8.2 million in planning, programming, and infrastructure grants that support the Safe Routes to School program.
Safe Routes to School is an international program that improves safety and reduces traffic congestion around schools by making it safer and easier for students to walk and bicycle to school.
State and federal Safe Routes to School money funded this round of grants.
“Thousands of school children now have more opportunities to walk and bike to schools because of the Safe Routes to School program,” Nancy Daubenberger, interim MnDOT commissioner, said. “More students walking and biking means less traffic on the road and near schools, improving safety and promoting healthier kids.”
Schools can use the funding to enhance existing local programs; convene a team to understand key issues, prioritize strategies and identify solutions that fit local needs; construct trails and sidewalks; or add crosswalk markings, flashing beacons, and other traffic control devices.
MnDOT has awarded more than $50 million in federal and state funds to communities to support Safe Routes to School since 2005. Nearly 70 percent of funding has supported work within Greater Minnesota communities. The majority of funding has been for infrastructure projects.