Funding is meant to improve walking and bicycling programs with schools, communities 4:45 pm, Feb. 19, 2021 ×
One focus of a Safe Routes to Schools grant may be to improve safety of those seeking to cross to U.S. Hwy 10 in Verndale.
Image courtesy Google Maps
The city of Verndale was recently awarded funding to help with planning for improved Safe Routes to Schools.
Verndale City Clerk Melissa Current and engineer Cliff Allen with Moore Engineering both noted that discussions about the need for Safe Routes to Schools have focused heavily on the risk for those attempting to cross Hwy 10 in Verndale from the north side of town to the school, on the south side of the highway.
Created: February 18, 2021 08:37 AM
The Minnesota Department of Transportation announced Thursday that nineteen schools and communities in Minnesota will benefit from nearly $350,000 in planning assistance and “Boost” grants to help support or start Safe Routes to School programs (SRTS).
The release stated SRTS is an international program to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion around schools, increase physical activity and improve health by making it easier for students to walk and bicycle to school and in daily life.
“During the pandemic, when many students and families are learning from home and confined to their screens indoors, we know Minnesotans need safe places to get out and walk or bicycle more than ever before,” said Dave Cowan, SRTS coordinator. “These grants help give schools and communities more options to expand Safe Routes to School activities.”