==
Bike-Walk Alliance of NH ==
Safe Routes
to School News, February 2008
Encouraging
Safe Bicycling and Walking to School
NHDOT Gears Up for Second Round of SRTS Funding
Communities from across the Granite State will soon be invited to submit applications for the second round of funding under Safe Routes to School (SRTS).
By encouraging more school children from kindergarten through 8th grade to safely walk or ride bicycles from home to school, the state and federal government are partnering with local communities to reduce air pollution, relieve traffic congestion in school zones, save fuel, and help kids improve their health through increased physical activity.
Before a request for proposals for the second round of funding is issued, the N.H. Department of Transportation (NHDOT) wants to hear from people from the state’s cities and towns. We want to ensure that the program meets community needs with a minimum of red tape.
The department has revised the SRTS application form, application guidelines and funding criteria. In addition, a new travel plan format has been developed to guide communities in their efforts to develop a comprehensive program.
Drafts of all three documents can be found through the yellow text box on the home page of the NHSRTS Web site. The deadline for comment is Monday, Feb. 11, 2008.
A major change for Round 2 is a proposed increase in the maximum amount for
infrastructure, from $100,000 in Round 1 to $200,000. There has been some concern
that the cap should remain at $100,000, and that local communities should stress
careful planning and other non-infrastructure projects in the early years of
the program. Public comment on this issue is welcome.
In addition, the funding criteria have been modified to clarify that SRTS projects,
especially infrastructure work, must create or improve safe routes from home
to school. In the first round, some applications showed connections between
schools and other facilities used by young people.
SRTS is intended to complement community efforts to make walking and bicycling safer and more inviting for everyone, but the school-to-home link is a prerequisite.
The SRTS Statewide Advisory Committee (SAC), which reviews applications and make recommendations to the Commissioner of NHDOT, wants to ensure that applications for reimbursement funding are based on careful and comprehensive planning. The new travel plan format is designed to guide communities through the process as they address the “5Es” of SRTS:
· Evaluation
· Education
· Encouragement
· Enforcement
· Engineering
Community
Outreach
John Corrigan,
the SRTS coordinator for NHDOT, continues to meet with local leaders interested
in the program. Often using a PowerPoint presentation that features community
efforts, he provides an overview of the program, answers any questions, and
encourages discussion of what will work at the community level.
All of the successful applicants in the first round formed SRTS task forces and engaged in the planning process. A task force brings together school and municipal officials, educators, parents, students and community advocates of walking and bicycling. They analyze local conditions and tailor a plan to address them. Any engineering projects, the “5th E,” also known as infrastructure work, must be supported by education, encouragement and law-enforcement efforts. SRTS is much more than a “free sidewalk” program.
Communities that
are exploring the program after the first round include Allenstown, Antrim,
Laconia, Ossipee and Rindge. Communities whose first round applications were
not funded are also encouraged to develop stronger programs and to document
how their proposals will encourage walking and bicycling between home and school.
If your school
or community wants to participate, please get in touch with the coordinator
(contact information below).
Opening
on Statewide Advisory Committee
The SRTS Statewide Advisory Committee (SAC) has an opening for a representative of the “livable-walkable communities” movement. This individual will ensure that SRTS projects are consistent with local efforts to balance motorized and non-motorized transportation in community design. The SAC reviews applications for reimbursement funding, offers applicants an opportunity to present their proposals at a public meeting, and makes recommendations to the commissioner of NHDOT.
If you are interested in serving on the committee or nominating someone, please send the name or names, contact information (including an e-mail address, if available) and a brief statement of qualifications and interest to the SRTS coordinator.
Spread the Word
This electronic newsletter is available for anyone interested in SRTS and related issues. Feel free to forward it. If you would like to be added to our distribution list, or if you would prefer to be removed, send e-mail with your name and electronic address to the coordinator at jcorrigan@dot.state.nh.us.
John W. Corrigan
Safe Routes to School Coordinator
Bureau of Planning and Community Assistance
N.H. Department of Transportation
7 Hazen Drive, PO Box 483
Concord, NH 03302-0483
(603) 271-1980
jcorrigan@dot.state.nh.us
SRTS Web site: http://www.nh.gov/dot/bureaus/planning/SRTS_home.htm
