Grant Applications Being Accepted for Safe Routes to School Program

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is accepting grant applications for the Safe Routes to School Program. The program helps to support projects that make walking, biking and rolling to school a safe option for students.

Administered by IDOT using federal funds, Safe Routes to School advances projects that improve safety and reduce traffic in areas around schools, grades kindergarten through high school. The new grant cycle will distribute a total of $12 million, with a maximum individual award of $250,000. Projects may include new sidewalks, traffic-calming measures, and improvements that increase accessibility for those with disabilities.

Eligible applicants include school districts, local governments, planning organizations and nonprofit associations. Preference will be given to schools with higher percentages of low-income students and students with disabilities.

The deadline to apply is October 15th, with awards to be announced in the spring. For more information on the program, including selection criteria and details on how to register for webinars to assist in the application process, visit the Safe Routes to School homepage or email [email protected].