The Minnesota Department of Transportation is looking for applicants to take a share of $4 million in grants.
Elementary and middle schools are encouraged to apply for Safe Routes to School grant funds for projects that will help more children safely walk and ride their bikes to school.
Kindergarten through eighth-grade schools in the state may apply for grants in three categories:
• Infrastructure implementation grants — Schools, in partnership with cities or counties, will receive grants to support infrastructure that improves safety or access for children walking and bicycling to school.
• Non-infrastructure implementation grants — Schools will receive small grants to support education, encouragement, enforcement or evaluation activities related to safe walking and bicycling to school.
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• Planning assistance — Schools will receive expert assistance to complete a Safe Routes to School plan, which will analyze existing conditions, gather public input and identify potential infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions.
Minnesota has $3.2 million available for infrastructure grants; $800,000 for non-infrastructure and planning grants for 2013-14. The funds are federal; no local match is required.
All non-profit organizations and government entities in the state may be eligible partners, including tribal nations, schools, school districts, cities, counties and regional planning organizations. Infrastructure grants require a city or county sponsor.
Since 2005, MnDOT has awarded $11.3 million in federal funds to communities to support Safe Routes to School. The majority of funding — $9.9 million — was awarded for infrastructure projects.
For more information, visit www.mndot.gov/saferoutes/ or contact Lisa Bender at 651-366-4195.
