April 10, 2000

Assembly Bill (AB) 1475 directs the California Department of Transportation (DOT) to use Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) safety funds to develop a new program entitled "Safe Routes to Schools." The effective dates of this new program are: January 1, 2000 - January 1, 2002 (unless extended at a later date by the legislature). (NOTE: On October 2, 2001, Governor Davis signed Senate Bill (SB) 10 (Soto) extending the Safe Routes to School program for three more years. The program sunsets on January 1, 2005.)

The purpose of the program is to provide funding to improve safety of children as they walk or bike to school. The awards will be made by the DOT to cities or counties, not to school districts. However, school districts are encouraged to develop project proposals in conjunction with their local public works departments for submittal to DOT.

The funds are intended to be awarded on a "first come first served" basis if they meet the program guidelines established by DOT.

The program guidelines tentatively are quite general, so any safety issue you have in your district should be submitted for consideration.

The DOT has developed program guidelines. Information may be obtained at the following internet address:

Local Programs, http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/LocalPrograms (Outside Source)

Applicants:

Applicants for Safe Routes to School (SR2S) funds must be an incorporated city or county within the State of California. The applications are to be submitted to the Department of Transportation. School Districts, School Boards, and other school - based institutions can develop project proposals but must submit the project through their respective city or county public works department. The grant will be made to the city or county, not the school district.

Eligibility:

• Identify a specific pedestrian and/or bicycle safety problem.
• The proposed work must substantially improve the condition.
• The proposed work must upgrade conditions to appropriate standards.
• Projects may be located on any local road or state highway. Projects on school property may be considered.
• Submittal information must be complete. (See internet address above for information)

Work Type Improvements:

• Illumination
• Signage
• Traffic Signals
• Site Distance Improvements
• Traffic Separation
• Turning Lanes
• Pavement Markings/Delineators
• Shoulder Improvements
• Roadway Realignment
• Traffic Calming
• Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities
• Others as approved by CalTrans and/or the California Highway Patrol

Funding:

• Funds available:
        $20 million 1999/2000 Federal Fiscal Year
        $20 million 2000/2001 Federal Fiscal Year
• Maximum level federal funds per project is $500,000. The program will consider funding 100% of the requested project, however projects with matching funds, and in hardship cases, will receive priority.

Deadlines:

• Construction contracts to be awarded by 9/30 in the year funded.

If you have any questions please contact School Facilities Planning Division at 916-322-2470.