What are the benefits of a Safe Route to School Program?
A successful Safe Route to School program benefits children in several ways. When routes are safe, walking or biking to and from school is an easy way to get the regular physical activity children need for good health. Studies have shown that physically active kids have improved mood and concentration, a stronger self-image and more self confidence.

It is also FUN! Research shows that walking or biking is children’s preferred method of getting to school. There is so much to see, smell, touch, think and talk about. By walking with friends, children will build relationships and learn more about their neighborhood, their friends, and themselves. Safe Routes to School initiatives help the environment by easing traffic jams and curbing air pollution.

Where does the funding come from?
The Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS) was established in August 2005 as part of the Federal Highway Transportation Bill and is intended to benefit children in elementary and middle schools (K-8).

What is North Dakota’s funding level?
The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), through the Local Government Division, is administering the program and is expected to receive approximately $1 million dollars in federal monies each year for five fiscal years for infrastructure and noninfrastructure projects.

How may the funds be used?
The SRTS program is intended to fund projects that improve biking and walking conditions for elementary and middle school children in grades K-8.

What projects are eligible for funding?
Infrastructure improvements include (but not limited to):
• Sidewalk improvements: new sidewalks, sidewalk widening, sidewalk gap closures, sidewalk repairs, curbs, gutters, and curb ramps
• Traffic calming and speed reduction improvements: roundabouts, bulb-outs, speed humps, raised crossings, raised intersections, median refuges, narrowed traffic lanes, lane reductions, full or half-street closures, automated speed enforcement, and variable speed limits
• Pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements: crossings, median refuges, raised crossings, raised intersections, traffic control devices (including new or upgraded traffic signals, pavement markings, traffic stripes, in-roadway crossing lights, flashing beacons, bicycle-sensitive signal actuation devices, pedestrian countdown signals, vehicle speed feedback signs, and pedestrian activated signal upgrades), and sight distance improvements
• On-street bicycle facilities: new or upgraded bicycle lanes, widened outside lanes or roadway shoulders, geometric improvements, turning lanes, channelization and roadway realignment, traffic signs, and pavement markings
• Off-street bicycle and pedestrian facilities: exclusive multi-use bicycle and pedestrian trails and pathways that are separated from a roadway
• Secure bicycle parking facilities: bicycle parking racks, bicycle lockers, designated areas with safety lighting, and covered bicycle shelters
• Traffic diversion improvements: separation of pedestrians and bicycles from vehicular traffic adjacent to school facilities, and traffic diversion away from school zones or designated routes to a school

Noninfrastructure improvements include (but not limited to):
• Public awareness campaigns and outreach to press and community leaders
• Traffic education and enforcement in the vicinity of schools
• Student sessions on bicycle and pedestrian safety, health, and environment
• Funding for training of volunteers, and managers of local SRTS programs

Additional ideas may be found on the website for the National Center for Safe Routes to School at www.saferoutesinfo.org.

What projects are ineligible for funding?
• Projects that do not specifically serve the stated purpose of the SRTS program
• Recurring costs such as crossing guard salaries (although funds may be used for crossing guard training programs)
• Projects that improve pick-up and drop-off areas for the convenience of drivers rather than to improve the safety of walking and biking for students
• Bus safety programs
• Improvements to bus stops

How will the monies be made available to the eligible participants?
SRTS funds will be available through a competitive application process.

Who is eligible for the funds?
To ensure the program is available to a broad spectrum of groups both public and nonprofit entities are eligible SRTS grant recipients. Projects by nonprofit organizations are recommended to be in partnership with a state or local government or school district.

Who can apply?
Board of County Commissioners, a City, Bureau of Indian Affairs, or a School District will be able to submit applications.

Is there a local match required for SRTS funds?
All SRTS projects are 100% federally funded for eligible items, to the limit of the project award with no matching funds required. The SRTS program is a cost-reimbursement program, which means recipients of the funds will front the cost of the project and will be reimbursed from NDDOT upon completion. On infrastructure projects, cost overruns may be the responsibility of the local government. Costs incurred prior to federal authorization are not eligible for reimbursement.

Can I use Safe Routes funding as my 20% local match required for other Federal funding programs?
No, you cannot use one federal funding source (like SRTS funding) as the 20% local match required for other federal funding.

What are MPO's and why are they important to the Safe Routes to School program?
MPO stands for Metropolitan Planning Organization and they are responsible for long range planning and the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) in communities with populations of 50,000 or more.

In North Dakota the following communities have active Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO): Grand Forks, Fargo/West Fargo, and Bismarck/Mandan.

It is strongly recommended that applicants in an MPO area contact their MPO prior to submitting their Safe Route to School application to coordinate with the MPO's planning and existing transportation projects.

May I submit an application in future solicitation cycles?
Yes, previous applicants are encouraged to submit applications for future grant cycles.

What is a "walking school bus"?
A walking school bus is a group of children walking to school with one or more adults. It works like this: an adult or group of adults begin walking along a set route to school. As they walk, they make “bus stops” and “pick up” other children along the way.

When are applications due?
All applications must be received at NDDOT office by November 21, 2007.

How can I get an application?
The North Dakota SRTS program application and guidelines are available from our website, www.dot.nd.gov/ as well as available in print from NDDOT by contacting Pam Wenger at dot@nd.gov or (701) 328-4787.

Where do I submit my application?
All applications for projects must be submitted to the NDDOT.

Can I use Safe Routes funding as part of a larger funding package?
Yes. Safe Routes funding may be combined with other funds to construct a large project. However, SRTS funds can not be used to match other federal funds.

Can projects be staged or phased across multiple applications?
At this time we are asking that applicants focus on projects that can be completed within the scope of the application.

Thank you for your interest in the Safe Routes to School program. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need further information.

For further guidance on infrastructure projects and noninfrastructure activities, the following websites are resources we encourage you to review.

Federal Highway Administration Safe Routes to School

National Center for Safe Routes to School

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Safe Routes to Schools:
Practice and Promise

Safe Routes to School Toolkit