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Press Release -- July 15, 2008
Safe Routes To School Infrastructure Projects Awarded in Delaware
Dover --
The Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) is pleased to announce the most recent Safe Routes To School (SRTS) Program project award winners. The awards are presented to Henry M. Brader Elementary School (Christina School District), Clayton Elementary School (Smyrna School District), and North Smyrna Elementary School (Smyrna School District).
As part of the federal Safe Routes to Schools Program, DelDOT's SRTS program works to ensure Delaware students (kindergarten through 8th grade) walk and/or bike to school more safely. Since the program guidelines were publicly released in June 2006, elementary, intermediate, and middle schools statewide have had the opportunity to complete a SRTS plan and application in hopes of obtaining such improvement funds for their school(s).
* The infrastructure project at Henry M. Brader Elementary will consist of curb ramp, crosswalk,
sidewalk, and signage improvements along Four Seasons Parkway and Summer Park Crescent. Approximately $125,000 will be spent at this school. The contractor for this project is Grassbusters Landscaping Company out of Newark.
* The project at Clayton Elementary will consist of curb ramp, crosswalk, sidewalk, and signage
improvements along School Lane and Main St. in the Town of Clayton. The school will receive approximately $125,000 in funding. The contractor for this work is JJID Incorporated, out of Bear.
* At North Smyrna Elementary, curb ramp, crosswalk, sidewalk, and signage improvements will be made near the school entrance on North Main St., on Providence Drive, and Greens Branch Lane, in the Town of Smyrna. North Smyrna Elementary was awarded $250,000. The contractor for this project is also JJID Incorporated, based out of Bear.
All award amounts are subject to change based on the final construction plans and field conditions. Construction is expected to begin within a few weeks.
In addition, each of the schools have been awarded SRTS non-infrastructure program funding. Brader will utilize their non-infrastructure funding for a Walking School Bus program and Walking/Bicycling incentive program. Clayton and North Smyrna have been awarded funding for crossing guard equipment such as stop paddles, reflective clothing, and safety cones. The schools and school districts identified needs for the improvement of the safety of walking and bicycling students through a comprehensive planning process.
Unlike most states, DelDOT provides these projects, supplies, and services directly to schools that apply and are awarded funding. No reimbursement of funds is necessary. An additional $1.7 million is available for construction projects statewide and an on-call team of planning and engineering consultants is standing by to assist elementary and middle schools in identifying needs, at no cost to the school.
Projects are awarded to schools on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a goal to award projects to as many schools and school districts as possible. Additional funding will be awarded to other schools as they complete the SRTS planning process and submit applications.
For more information on DelDOT's Safe Routes to School Program, visit our website at www.deldot.gov.
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