With nearly $26 million in construction funds soon to be released for Safe Routes to School (SRTS), an effort to help children safely get to school, through education; route improvement; and encouraging safety, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) is offering workshops to help government organizations apply for program grants.

Two main types of SRTS programs are available through ODOT, construction and non infrastructure grants and technical assistance.

Construction grants, which the workshops will focus on, are offered every two years, and focus on projects that address barriers for students walking and biking to school. Investments from the program cover crossings, sidewalks, bike lanes, flashing beacons, and other safety options. 

The grant application process for 2021 will take place starting in the spring of 2020. From April 1, 2020 to June 15, 2020, ODOT will accept letters of intent. From June 1, 2020 to August 31, ODOT will accept applications, another requirement of the program. Grantees will be notified of awards by the end of 2020.

In order to best help government bodies, including counties, cities, tribes, transit agencies, and public schools prepare for the grant opportunities, ODOT will offer eight in-person workshops and one webinar throughout the state. The current schedule is listed below:

  • March 10: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 415 Patterson Bridge Rd, John Day
  • March 19: 2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 123 NW Flanders St, Room A/B, Portland
  • April 8: 9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., 1409 NE Diamond Lake Blvd, Deer Creek Room,  Roseburg
  • April 9: 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., 412 Alder,  Brookings
  • April 24: 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., 99 E. Broadway, Suite 400, Eugene
  • May 4: 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., email leeanne.fergason@odot.state.or.us to RSVP – WEBINAR
  • May 19: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 100 High Street SE, Salem
  • May 21: 3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., 1120 SW 5th Ave, Room 201, Portland
  • June 4: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., 799 SW Columbia, Bend

For additional information, contact: LeeAnne Fergason, ODOT SRTS Program.

Contributed by: Megan Chuinard | Public Affairs Associate