TDOT Announces Safe Routes to School Training Sessions
Nashville, TN — The Tennessee Department of Transportation will hold training sessions in December for communities interested in applying for a Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program grant. The recently announced Safe Routes to School program will provide grants to state, local and regional agencies for projects designed to encourage walking and biking among elementary and middle school children.
“The Safe Routes to School program is an innovative program that will integrate health, fitness, traffic relief, environmental concerns, and safety all under one program,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “These training sessions are an excellent opportunity for communities to learn more about Tennessee’s Safe Routes to School program, and how to develop a successful project.“
The SRTS program is funded with $10.7 million in federal funds through 2009. The funds were provided specifically for this purpose through SAFETEA-LU (Safe Accountable, Flexible, Efficient, Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users), the federal surface transportation program. Grants will be for 100% federal funds and will not require a local match.
“SRTS grant funds will be awarded on a yearly basis to state, local and regional agencies for two different types of projects, infrastructure and non-infrastructure,” said Diana Benedict, SRTS Program Coordinator. “Examples of eligible infrastructure projects include sidewalks, bikeways, trails, crosswalks, and speed reduction techniques around school zones. Non-infrastructure projects include safety education, such as student sessions on bicycle and pedestrian safety, events and activities to encourage walking and biking to school, training for crossing guards, and law enforcement around school zones.”
SRTS training sessions will be held at the following times and locations:
| Knoxville | December 5 1-3:30 pm | City County Building 400 Main Street, 37902 |
| Chattanooga | December 6 9 -11:30 am | Development Resource Center, Room 1-A 1250 Market Street, 37402 |
| Nashville | December 7 9 -11:30 am | L&C Tower, 17th Floor 401 Church Street, 37219 |
| Memphis | December 12 1 -3:30 pm | Central Station 545 S. Main Street, 38103 |
| Jackson | December 13 9 - 11:30 am | The School Board Building 310 N. Parkway, 38305 |
The training sessions are free and open to the public.
To learn more about the Safe Routes to School Program and upcoming training sessions, please visit http://www.tn.gov/tdot/bikeped/saferoutes.htm or contact Diana Benedict, Program Coordinator, at (615) 253-2421 or diana.benedict@state.tn.us
.