MassDOT Announces Applications for New Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Project Funding

12/03/2018

MassDOT is pleased to announce that applications can now be made for the new round of infrastructure project funding for the Safe Routes to School Program.  Money is used for proposed projects that seek to provide safe travel routes between schools and other destinations and in order to promote the use of healthy transportation options.


The funding program now receiving applications allows schools to conveniently use MassDOT’s Massachusetts Project Intake Tool (MaPIT) to submit information online. MaPIT was developed to provide municipalities with one location for more simplified, convenient access to transportation funding program opportunities that are available statewide.


The new Safe Routes to School Program application is available in the MaPIT portal (https://massdothpi.esriemcs.com/mapit). In order to access the application, the project proponent from an applicant school must first request a MaPIT account (www.mass.gov/forms/request-a-geodot-account).


Funding is available to schools that have been partnered with the Safe Routes to School Program for at least six months.  All proposed projects must be within two miles of a school and that school must serve at least one grade that falls between Kindergarten and the 8th grade.


Applications for infrastructure projects are due by January 11, 2019.  The submitted proposed projects will then be reviewed and scored by a specially convened selection committee, and funding awards will be announced in early 2019.


Along with the release of online application process, the Safe Routes to School Program has also launched the Infrastructure Application Guidance Document. This document outlines the Safe Routes to School Infrastructure Project Funding Program and provides detailed instructions on how to apply for funding. The guide can be found at www.mass.gov/info-details/safe-routes-to-school-engineering.


The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program is sponsored by MassDOT with funds from the Federal Highway Administration. Massachusetts Safe Routes to School emphasizes a collaborative, community-focused approach that fosters partnerships between advocacy groups, law enforcement, education leaders and public health departments that all work together to promote safer routes for children to walk and ride bicycles to and from school.


Currently, 824 Massachusetts schools are Safe Routes to School Partners, representing 57 percent of all schools in the Commonwealth. Since the program’s start in 2006, 29 infrastructure projects have been completed, totaling over $16 million in improvements. School partners also receive year-round pedestrian and bicycle safety education instruction, as well as engagement initiatives tailored to meet each school’s health, safety, and environmental priorities.

Learn more about the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School Program.


Courtesy of MassDOT Blog