Cedar Lee Middle receive grant for “Safe Routes to School”

Cedar Lee Middle School in Bealeton was one of 28 middle and elementary school across Virginia to receive part of a $5.9 million "Safe Routes to School" (SRTS) grant awarded by the Va. Dept. of Transportation.

Gov Bob McDonnell (R) today announced the grants to schools in 18 communities across the commonwealth during the 2012 SRTS grant cycle.

The funds will be used for projects that will make bicycling and walking to school safer and more appealing for students at elementary and middle schools.

“The Safe Routes to School program’s primary goal is to support communities that want to make walking and bicycling to school a safe and convenient option for children,” McDonnell said.

“By providing these funds, as well as technical assistance to Virginia communities, we are helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote other transportation choices," he said. "We also are encouraging healthy habits that we hope will transform into healthy lifestyles as these children grow.”

The SRTS program is designed for localities, schools and non-profit groups seeking to improve walking and bicycling opportunities for children in kindergarten through eighth grades. All local governments are eligible to apply for funding to construct and enhance bicycle and pedestrian accommodations in and around schools.

They may also apply for a grant for encouragement, education and law enforcement activities; which schools and non-profit groups are eligible for as well. The statewide program is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.

Projects funded by the grant include pedestrian and bicycle crossings, sidewalks, multi-use trails, signing and traffic-calming improvements.

The next opportunity to apply for SRTS funding will begin this summer. For more information on Safe Routes to School funding and the application process, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/saferoutes