The City of Montague received $1.2 million in grant funding from the Michigan Department of Transportation, MDOT announced Nov. 19, for its Safe Routes to School program.
Montague's grant is one of nine being disbursed by MDOT through the Transportation Alternatives Program. The conditional commitments are from reserved federal transportation funds designated by Congress for state-approved projects.
The Montague grant will be used for pedestrian crossings and crosswalk lighting, enabling city residents to safely walk to school. Other city residents will be able to use the new projects to enhance their experience walking through the city.
TAP funds specific transportation projects, like separated pathways, pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, bike lanes and other facilities, that improve vulnerable road user safety. These enhancements provide safe alternative transportation options embodying the "mobility for everyone" concept.
"The TAP, including its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) category, truly delivers on MDOT's strategic vision seeking original and innovative projects and investing in mobility options that improve Michiganders' quality of life," State Transportation Director Bradley C. Wieferich said in a press release. "TAP receives modest funding to address large-scale public health and safety concerns, enhance local and regional economic development and provide citizens with alternative mobility options."
Recognized by the Federal Highway Administration as a best practice, MDOT's management of TAP and its projects meet stringent federal and MDOT design standards, requiring extensive teamwork. MDOT partners with a variety of agencies to include county road commissions, cities, villages, etc. to facilitate grant application and project implementation. MDOT reserves the funds being committed today subject to applicants meeting certain requirements for implementation. Awards are given when all the conditions have been met.
