Exciting news for students and families across Oregon - over the summer, community partners received notice of more than $3 Million in Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure Grants throughout the state.
In June, Oregon Metro, the regional government for the greater Portland area, awarded seven grants totaling $900,000. These funds follow from a successful campaign by the For Every Kid Coalition to the Metro Council and the Joint Policy Advisory Committee on Transportation, who approved $1.5 million of Regional Flexible Funds to be added to the Regional Travel Options Grant Program and spent on Safe Routes to School initiatives. This was the first grant cycle for these dedicated Safe Routes to School funds. Recipients include Clackamas County, Multnomah County, City of Hillsboro, City of Tigard, City of Portland, Beaverton School District, and Community Cycling Center.
In August, the Oregon Transportation Safety Commission approved $2.3 Million to support 11 communities in implementing Safe Routes to School Non-Infrastructure programs over the next three years. ODOT received 28 applications for the State's SRTS Non-Infrastructure Grant Program, with a total funding request of $4.4 M - that's double the state's funding capacity. While not everyone could receive funding this cycle, this clearly demonstrates the need for increased statewide funding to support Oregon communities enthusiastic about SRTS! We are delighted to report that 9 of the 11 grantees selected are first-time grantees, and we are especially excited to see these new communities, including Salem-Keizer and Lane County, get the support needed to start their new SRTS programs. The full list of grantees will be posted by September 1.
Congratulations to all of the SRTS Grantees!
