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<br />Mar,27,2007 1:19JM <br /> <br />Cass Count) blgh ol Dept. <br /> <br />iio,5512 P,11 <br /> <br />Background <br /> <br />The Safe Routes to Schools Program (SRTS) was established in August 2005 as part of the <br />Federal Highway Transportation Bill and is intended to benefit children in primary and middle <br />schools (K-8). The SRTS program at its heart is about kids walking and biking to school, and <br />making it a safe and routine activity once again, The SRTS Program is funded at $612 million <br />over five federal fiscal years (FY 2005-2009) for both infrastructure and noninfrastructure <br />reimbursement grants. <br /> <br />The North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT), through the Local Government <br />Division, is administering the program and is expected to receive approximately $1 million <br />dollars in federal monies each year for five fiscal years for infrastructure and noninfrastructure <br />projects. <br /> <br />The SRTS Program provides funds to substantially improve the ability of elementary and middle <br />school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. <br /> <br />Program Purpose <br /> <br />. To enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bicycle to <br />school <br />. To make bicycling and walking to school a safer and more appealing transportation <br />alternative, thereby encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle from an early age <br />. To facilitate the planning, development, and implementation of projects and activities that <br />will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity <br />(approximately 2 miles) of elementary and middle schools (Grades K-B) <br /> <br />These stated purposes describe the overall intent of the SRTS Program. There are many <br />possible outcomes of this far reaching program that addresses both infrastructure and <br />noninfrastructure needs to achieve program goals, <br /> <br />Desired Outcomes <br /> <br />. Increased bicycle, pedestrian, and traffic safety <br />. More children walking and bicycling to and from schools <br />. Decreased traffic congestion <br />. Improved childhood health <br />. Reduced childhood obesity <br />. Encouragement of healthy and active lifestyles <br />. Improved air quality <br />. Improved community safety <br />. Reduced fuel consumption <br />. Increased community security <br />. Enhanced community accessibility <br />. Increased community involvement <br /> <br />Safe Roules to School Program Guidelines <br />N0l1h Dakota Department of Transportation <br /> <br />Page 3 <br />