Communities and schools that want to develop safer routes for students to walk and bicycle to school can now apply to MN-DOT for planning grants. The deadline is March 3rd. After a plan is developed, local officials can use the blueprint to apply for funding for sidewalks, crosswalks and signage, plus other efforts including educational programming. For more information, visit MN-DOT’s website.
State officials note that walking and bicycling to school is on the decline nationally — 13 percent of students in 2009, compared to nearly half of students in 1969. At the same time, health issues such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes have been on the rise.
Link for application info:
www.mndot.gov/saferoutes/planning-grants.html