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

FOR RELEASE: October 23, 2009

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’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS)  Noninfrastructure Program will be offering free personalized assistance to elementary and middle schools. Schools with grades kindergarten to eighth are eligible to apply for assistance in SRTS plan development, as well as bike and pedestrian education.

A limited number of eligible schools (up to 10) will be selected through an online application process to receive program assistance tailored to meet their individual needs.

The following assistance offers:

•    SRTS Program overview (Presentation and Q & A session)
•    SRTS Committee and Champion Assistance
•    SRTS Plan Walk Audit Support (Engineering Recommendation Assistance)
•    SRTS Plan Mapping Support (Geographic Information Systems Software Assistance)
•    Evaluation - Analysis of Success
•    Plan Review and Critique
•    Bicycle & Walking Education

Detailed program information and online application is available at www.walkitbikeitct.org.

Application deadline is November 13, 2009. 

What is the Safe Routes to School Program?

The SRTS Program was established in August 2005 as part of Safe, Accountable, Flexible, and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). The objective of this federally funded initiative is to encourage more students in grades kindergarten to eighth grade (Grades K-8) to walk and bike to school, as opposed to other transportation alternatives, thereby encouraging a more healthy lifestyle. General program information is available on the Connecticut SRTS website: www.ctsaferoutes.org. Questions can be forwarded to the Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Ms. Sharon Okoye, via e-mail at sharon.okoye@ct.gov.