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

FOR RELEASE: March 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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Safe Routes to School Program - Open Call for Infrastructure Applications

The Connecticut Department of Transportation would like to announce the call for project applications for federal fiscal years 2008-09 Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Infrastructure Program.  Approximately $2.8 million dollars in funding is available this funding cycle.

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).  Section 1404 of this legislation provides funding for the Department to develop and manage the SRTS program. 

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 healthier lifestyle. 

Eligible applicants are any state, local, and regional agencies, federally recognized tribes and political subdivision (school boards, school districts, etc.).  Non-profit organizations can apply through a political subdivision.

Eligible infrastructure projects for the Safe Routes to School funding include new sidewalks and pedestrian and bicycle improvements, which provides safety for and/or encourages biking and walking. Projects must be within 1 mile of primary and middle schools.

As part of the application process, eligible schools are required to have a preexisting documented SRTS plan.

The project selection process will be driven by the following five elements referred to as the five E’s, included in the SRTS plan: 

·         Engineering—identifying operational and physical improvements to the infrastructure surrounding schools that reduce speeds and potential conflicts with motor vehicle traffic, and establish safer and fully accessible crosswalks, walkways, and bikeways.

·         Education—teaching children about the broad range of transportation choices, instructing them in important lifelong bicycling and walking safety skills, and launching driver safety campaigns in the vicinity of schools. 

·         Enforcement—partnering with local law enforcement agencies to ensure traffic laws are obeyed in the vicinity of schools (including enforcement of speeds, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, and proper walking and bicycling behaviors and practices). 

·         Encouragement—events and activities to promote walking and bicycling (bike rodeos, walk to school days, etc.). 

·         Evaluation—monitoring and documenting outcomes and trends through the collection of data both before and after the intervention.

Application information is available at the following link: https://www.ct.gov/dot/cwp/view.asp?a=2094&q=435920

Applications are due to Regional Planning Organizations by the July 30, 2009.

Applications are due to the Department of Transportation by August 28, 2009.

For more information, please contact the Department’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Ms. Sharon Okoye, via e-mail at sharon.okoye@ct.gov.