Safe Routes to School E-News
Issue #48: December 2009
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In this issue:
1. Partnership Releases State Network Project 2007-2009 Report
New report highlights the progress achieved at state and local levels over three years
2. New State of the States Report Tracks Award and Obligation Rates
See how your state is progressing in awarding/obligating federal SRTS funds
3. Federal Update: News on Transportation, Climate, and Jobs
Continued uncertainty on timelines for transportation and climate bills
4. New Joint Use Agreement Policy Brief on Partnership’s Website
Check out this resource at www.saferoutespartnership.org/state/5638/352065
5. LAB Study on Use of Highway Safety Improvement Program Funding
League of American Bicyclists releases policy research report
6. National Bike Summit 2010, March 9-11 in Washington, DC
The Partnership is coordinating a Safe Routes to School panel session
7. New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, February 4-6 in Seattle
Visit www.NewPartners.org for more details and to register now
8. Kentucky Announces $3.5 Million in SRTS Funding Awarded
22 projects were funded out of 41 applications received
9. New Hampshire Reviewing Round 4 Applications
Applications filed exceed the amount of funding available
10. SRTS News Throughout the Country
Local and state SRTS program news links
1. Partnership Releases State Network Project 2007-2009 Report
New report highlights the progress achieved at state and local levels over three years
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership released a report in November 2009 titled -- Safe Routes to School State Network Project: Final Report, 2007-2009, Making Change Through Partners and Policies. The report was prepared for the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF), a primary funder of the State Network Project.
The Partnership launched the State Network Project in 2007 to influence state-level Safe Routes to School implementation and to leverage additional resources and build a supportive environment through other state-level policies. The 2007–2009 Report describes the approach and structure of the Partnership’s State Network and Local School Projects in 10 jurisdictions (CA, DC, GA, IL, KY, LA, NY, OK, TX and VA). The networks were selected primarily based on high levels of childhood obesity, diversity, and low income communities. The new report highlights the progress achieved at state and local levels over three years, including major accomplishments, lessons learned, and next steps.
The efforts of the 10 networks have improved opportunities for safe physical activity for children on the route to school, and have contributed to the quality and public release of $199 million in Safe Routes to School and related funds. One of the hallmarks of the project was its ability to bring together the state departments of transportation, health, and education to improve programs and policies through a health lens. Based on the success of the 2007-2009 State Network Project, RWJF recently provided a two-year grant of nearly $1.5 million to expand the project to 15 states during 2010 and 2011. For more information on the State Network Project, please visit our website.
2. New State of the States Report Tracks Award and Obligation Rates
See how your state has progressed in the last quarter
Each quarter, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership issues a “State of the States” to track the movement of each state Department of Transportation (DOT) in awarding and obligating federal Safe Routes to School funds. The November 2009 State of the States Chart reveals that over the last quarter (July through September 2009), DOTs have awarded close to $23 million in Safe Routes to School awards and have obligated more than $34 million to allow already-awarded projects to move forward. Many states made big strides in obligating funding, with almost all states obligating funding this past quarter. Overall, approximately 73% of the overall funds have been awarded and 39% have been obligated. The Partnership urges SRTS advocates to continue to work with state leaders to get 100% of the funding awarded and obligated.
3. Federal Update: News on Transportation, Climate, and Jobs
Continued uncertainty on timelines for transportation and climate bills
The primary focus in Congress is currently on health care and unemployment numbers. The bulk of the Senate’s time in December will be spent debating the health care bill. The House is likely to take up a “jobs bill” at some point in December. This leaves little room for movement on transportation and climate bills. Even so, there is news to report on several fronts:
- The current extension for the SAFETEA-LU transportation bill expires on December 18. Congress will have to act by then to ensure that transportation funds continue to flow. There has been talk of Congress passing a six-month extension, but the situation is still very fluid.
- Congress and the Administration are discussing passing a “jobs bill” to address the rising unemployment rate. Many ideas—including transportation spending—are currently being considered to accelerate job growth. The size and make-up of the bill have not been worked out, but Congress hopes to have a bill passed by the State of the Union in January. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is monitoring the situation for opportunities to include Safe Routes to School funding in the package.
- Specific to Safe Routes to School, Rep. Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced H.R. 4021 to expand Safe Routes to School to high schools. There are already 17 co-sponsors for the legislation. And, Sens. Landrieu (D-LA) and Gillibrand (D-NY) joined as co-sponsors of S. 1156, the Safe Routes to School Program Reauthorization Act—bringing it to a total of 19 Senate supporters.
- The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee passed its climate bill on November 5—with all Republicans boycotting the vote. Discussions are now taking place between Senators Kerry (D-MA) and Graham (R-SC) to identify a compromise climate bill. Further action by the Senate is not expected until next spring.
In news from the Administration, the Safe Routes to School National Partnership participated in a coalition meeting with Secretary Ray LaHood on November 16 to discuss pedestrian safety and Transportation for America’s new report, Dangerous by Design. The Partnership discussed how Safe Routes to School programs and Complete Streets policies improve safety for children walking and bicycling. In a blog post after the meeting, Secretary LaHood affirmed his support for Complete Streets planning to make sure roadways are designed for all users—including bicyclists and pedestrians.
4. New Joint Use Agreement Policy Brief on Partnership’s Website
Check out this resource at www.saferoutespartnership.org/state/5638/352065
State policies have a profound impact on the safety, convenience, and ability of children to be able to walk and bicycle to schools - which is why the Partnership has compiled detailed state policy briefs, ranging from complete streets to school siting that can be accessed via our website. These policy briefs help advocates to assess how policies might be improved within your state as they relate to Safe Routes to School issues.
Our most recent policy brief addresses joint use agreements – a means of addressing childhood obesity through shared school facilities which provide more opportunities for physical activity and community benefits. A joint use agreement is a formal agreement between two separate government entities, often a school district and a city or county, setting forth the terms and conditions for the shared use of public property. Typically, each party under a joint use agreement helps fund the development, operation, and maintenance of the facilities that will be shared. In so doing, no single party is fully liable for the costs and responsibilities associated with the recreational facilities. To learn more about joint use agreements, and to access examples and other resources, including legal resources from NPLAN, please visit our website.
5. LAB Study on Use of Highway Safety Improvement Program Funding
League of American Bicyclists releases policy research report
The Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) is a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) program that funds highway safety projects aimed at reducing highway fatalities and serious injuries. Though bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible for funding, HSIP has been largely overlooked as a resource for these projects. In fact, many states have failed to even spend a majority of their safety money. Recognizing this discrepancy, a document produced by the League of American Bicyclists outlines the HSIP funding process and describes how these funds can be harnessed for bike and pedestrian infrastructure projects. Read the full report here and strategize with other state leaders on how to work with the DOT on their process for HSIP funding distribution so that it benefits more SRTS projects.
6. National Bike Summit 2010, March 9-11 in Washington, DC
The Partnership is coordinating a Safe Routes to School panel session
The League of American Bicyclists reports that bicycling has come a long way in the last 10 years. Our movement has grown larger and more effective; the number of people riding is growing in almost every community in the nation. But we need more people on bikes more often, and the reasons just keep on growing. Whether it’s obesity, health care, climate change, air quality, energy independence, traffic congestion, economic development, or quality of life issues - bicycling has got to be part of the solution. We need delegates from every congressional district at the National Bike Summit. We must make the case that greater federal investment in active transportation encourages bicycling and helps us reach America’s national priorities.
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is participating in a panel session on Safe Routes to School. Register today and join us at the 2010 National Bike Summit. Let your voice be heard on Capitol Hill!
7. New Partners for Smart Growth Conference, February 4-6 in Seattle
Visit www.NewPartners.org for more details and to register now
The Local Government Commission reports that today, more than ever, we are faced with environmental and economic challenges that will define our generation, shape our future, and test our resilience as cities, regions, states, and a nation. Join leaders from across the U.S. in Seattle, WA, February 4-6 at the 9th Annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference: Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities Conference, as they tackle these challenges head-on and demonstrate solutions to curbing greenhouse gas emissions by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, creating a green economy, and building more livable, walkable, and healthier communities.
The program will kick off on Thursday morning and continue through Saturday afternoon and includes a dynamic mix of plenaries, breakouts, implementation workshops, specialized trainings, and coordinated networking activities. Exciting tours of local model projects from Seattle and the Puget Sound Region will be featured. There will be something for everybody, from veteran experts to smart-growth novices, with over 90 sessions and workshops. Learn from hundreds of speakers who cross disciplines to share insights, and valuable tools and strategies for making smart growth a success in your community.
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is participating in a Thursday, February 4 panel discussion on Safe Routes to School. Plan to join us, and others, from across the U.S. next February for the smart growth event of the year! Visit www.NewPartners.org to get more details and to register now.
8. Kentucky Announces $3.5 Million in SRTS Funding Awarded
22 projects were funded out of 41 applications received
In October, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) awarded more than $3.5 million through its Safe Routes to School program to 22 local public agencies. "Citizens throughout the Commonwealth are becoming more interested in livable, healthy communities and recognize that Safe Routes to School can play an important role in achieving this goal," said Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Jackie Jones. "These projects not only will help improve safety for the children who walk or ride their bikes to school, but are building blocks for more livable communities."
Infrastructure projects will include sidewalk construction and improvements, signage, and crosswalk installations. Non-infrastructure funds will be used for activities such as pedestrian and bicycle safety instruction, encouragement programs, public awareness campaigns, safety items such as bicycle helmets and reflective items, enforcement activities, and training. The KYTC also set aside funding for statewide education, public awareness, and training activities, such as their annual Walk to School month radio campaign. A complete list of recipients is available at http://saferoutes.ky.gov/2009 SRTS Projects.pdf.
The KYTC received 41 applications from across the Commonwealth requesting three times the amount of funding available. This is the fourth year that the Kentucky Safe Routes to School program has awarded funding.
For more information about the Kentucky Safe Routes to School program visit their website at www.saferoutes.ky.gov, or contact Jackie Jones at (502) 564-2060 or Jackie.Jones@ky.gov.
9. New Hampshire Reviewing Round 4 Applications
Applications filed exceed the amount of funding available
New Hampshire’s Safe Routes to School program reflects the surprising diversity of a compact New England state. From the struggling mill towns of the White Mountains to the suburban communities of the southern tier, and from the Connecticut Valley to the nation’s shortest seacoast, each participant takes a unique approach.
Winters are cold and the snow deep in Gorham, but a year-round walking school bus program has been expanded from one day a week to two. A new sidewalk provides the final safe link from Main Street to the main entrance of the Edward Fenn School. It replaces pavement markings that once separated young pedestrians and bicyclists from motor vehicles. Principal Karen Cloutier’s SRTS efforts were recognized when she was presented with the Community Leadership Award from the President’s Commission on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Concord, the state capital, celebrated the state’s first infrastructure project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony during International Walk to School Month. Paved multi-use paths give students a safe way to get to Conant Elementary and Rundlett Junior High.
Other communities, including Lebanon and Portsmouth, are conducting studies that will integrate safe walking and bicycling to school into broader community plans to encourage healthy and active lifestyles.
The New Hampshire Department of Transportation and its partners are now reviewing applications filed in the Round 4 grant cycle. For the first time, applications have been filed for more funds than are available. The competition is a sign that communities are embracing SRTS in New Hampshire. For more information on New Hampshire’s Safe Routes to School program visit their website, or contact John Corrigan, New Hampshire’s SRTS Coordinator, at jcorrigan@dot.state.nh.us or (603) 271-1980.
10. SRTS News Throughout the Country
Local and state SRTS program news links
Safe Routes to School news around the country keeps growing! Updated regularly, see our new SRTS in the News media center for the latest in local, state, and national SRTS news.
Help Grow the Partnership!
Joining the Partnership is free. Please encourage other organizations, schools, businesses, and government agencies to join the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, a network of more than 400 organizations and agencies.
Funding for the Safe Routes to School National Partnership has been generously provided by the Bikes Belong Coalition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Kaiser Permanente, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, SRAM Cycling Fund, and partner affiliates.
For more information, contact:
Brooke Driesse, Communications Manager
Safe Routes to School National Partnership
brooke@saferoutespartnership.org
www.saferoutespartnership.org
(619) 272-0097