For the City-Times

Governor Scott Walker today announced grants totaling $3,388,573, which will assist 17 Wisconsin communities with Safe Routes to School projects in 2013. The federally-funded reimbursement program encourages children in grades K-8 to walk or bike to school, when safe and practical.

“We are proud to partner with local communities to develop safe bicycling and walking accommodations for our students,” said Governor Walker. “Promoting these forms of transportation creates healthy habits at a young age.”

2013 projects include multi-use trails, bike racks, traffic calming, sidewalk improvements, bike and pedestrian education, and enforcement activities. Of the 17 projects, five are for planning purposes, while 12 are for infrastructure improvements to support existing Safe Routes to School programs.

Since 2007, WisDOT has distributed approximately $13 million in federal funds for projects that make biking and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation alternative. Additional information about WisDOT’s Safe Routes to School program is online at: www.dot.wisconsin.gov/localgov/aid/saferoutes.htm.