CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION NEWS RELEASE 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: October 18, 2012

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062 FAX: (860) 594-3065 WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing the award of $3.1 million in federal transportation funds for six local projects through the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. 

SRTS awards will be used for infrastructure improvements to provide safety for students in nine schools in six communities with improvements, such as sidewalk installation, bike lanes, multiuse paths, bumpouts, textured pavement, school zone signs and pavement markings.

CTDOT has administered the SRTS program since 2006, and has awarded more than $8 million in project funding for 20 construction projects which will serve a total of 29 schools in 16 communities around the state.

"Nearly half of the SRTS projects previously awarded have been constructed”, said Sharon Okoye, CT Safe Routes to School Coordinator, “improving the safety for over 7,000 students in towns and cities such as Manchester, Fairfield, New Britain and Stamford.” By providing a safe environment, more kids will be enabled and encouraged to walk and bicycle to school, resulting in healthier children while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle congestion.

For more information on the Connecticut Safe Routes to School program, please contact Sharon Okoye, SRTS coordinator at sharon.okoye@ct.gov or visit the program’s website (www.ctsaferoutes.org) and/or Facebook Page www.facebook.com/CTSafeRoutesToSchool.