Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) annually accepts applications to fund projects using Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program funds. SRTS funds are available to communities as grants to be used to improve the ability of elementary and middle school students to walk and bicycle to school safely. The total funding available statewide is $4,000,000, and a community may be awarded up to $400,000 for an infrastructure project. March 4, 2019 is the deadline for the current Safe Routes to School application cycle. ODOT also accepts low-cost applications for funding from its Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) throughout the year. These low-cost applications have the same local match requirements (10%) as applications submitted during ODOT’s semi-annual HSIP application process.
The Department of Public Service is preparing a Safe Routes to School application, with a current focus on constructing three new sidewalks: (1) Ann Street from Stewart Avenue to Whittier Street, (2) Ann Street from Frebis Avenue to Mithoff Street, and (3) 17th Street from Markison Avenue to Frebis Avenue. This project would be in the Columbus Southside area. This project has already received design funding from City Council as part of Public Service’s Operation Safewalks. This project would benefit students walking to schools in the area, including Lincoln Park Elementary School. The Columbus City Schools District-Wide Travel Plan identified the Ann Street and 17th Street corridors as priority corridors for Lincoln Park Elementary School. Walking is a significant mode at Lincoln Park Elementary School, with 40% of students walking to school. As part of its SRTS application, Public Service is intending to request additional HSIP funding.
2. EXPECTED PROJECT
The Department of Public Service plans to submit an application for the following project:
Operation Safewalks - Ann St and 17th St: This project will perform work along priority corridor...
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