By encouraging and enabling children to use active transportation, communities can cut costs, offer healthy options and improve the area surrounding the school.

As part of Governor Strickland’s ongoing commitment to transportation safety, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is beginning a new application cycle for its widely-recognized Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program.

Last year, ODOT awarded nearly $11 million to communities across the state for school crossing signals, bike/pedestrian facilities, educational materials and School Travel Plans.

More than a third of youths aged 9 to 15 live within a mile of school, but less than half of these students walk or bike even one day a week. This is a lost opportunity for students to get much-needed physical activity and to learn more about their neighbors and the community.

Funds will be awarded on a competitive basis to eligible applicants who have ODOT approved School Travel Plans, have developed their SRTS program and show a demonstrated need for funding to implement portions of the plan. The program serves students in grades k-8. Applicants may also apply for funds to develop their School Travel Plan.

There are three types of eligible projects:

• Infrastructure – Up to $500,000 per applicant per project;
• Non infrastructure – Up to $100,000 per applicant per funding round;
• School Travel Plan Development – Up to $1,000 per school with a maximum of 4 schools per applicant per funding cycle considered. ODOT will provide the engineering services needed to complete the plan development.

Eligible applicants include State, local and non-profit organizations. Eligible projects include infrastructure projects, such as bicycle/pedestrian facilities, within 2 miles of K-8 schools and non-infrastructure projects, such as training, public awareness and traffic enforcement.

To submit an application visit the ODOT website - http://www.dot.state.oh.us/Divisions/TransSysDev/ProgramMgt/Projects/SafeRoutes/Pages/default.aspx