Safe Routes to School grants awarded to Cook County schools

The Safe Routes to School (SRTS) committee has done a lot to increase awareness of the need for safe routes to walk and bike to school. Former U.S. Congressman Jim Oberstar joined the effort at one SRTS event.

On April 7 the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that the Cook County Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) committee would receive help in planning safe walking and biking routes to Cook County Schools, as part of 138 schools in the state to be selected for a Safe Routes to School planning grants. All told $4.8 million was awarded this year out of a total request for $11.3 million.

According to Cook County State Health Improvement Program (SHIP) Coordinator Kristin DeArruda Wharton, “The funding will go to the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission (ARDC) who will be working with the Grand Marais Safe Routes to Schools group to update the SRTS plan for Cook County Schools, ISD 166 and Great Expectations School. The plan update will allow the community to take a new look at safety in the school zones. With increased traffic and safety concerns in the school zone with the new YMCA, this comes at a good time for the community, schools, city and county to take a look at how we can all work together to make it safer for children to get to and from school, whether on foot, bike, or automobile.”

“These projects will help communities increase opportunities for children to walk and bike to school,” said MnDOT Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “More students walking and biking means less traffic on the road and in front of schools, improving safety and promoting healthier kids.”

Funding to complete a Safe Routes to School plan will be used to help analyze existing conditions, gather public input and identify potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions at K-8 schools. Although the local Safe Routes to Schools committee is gathering information and public comments, the Arrowhead Regional Development Commission or a planning consultant hired by MnDOT will complete a final plan.

Since 2005, MnDOT has awarded nearly $15.5 million in federal funds to communities to support Safe Routes to School.