ILLINOIS SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL GRANT
HAS BEEN AWARDED!
The Village of Downs and Tri-Valley School District is excited to announce we have received $239,000 for the Safe Route to School (SRTS) Grant through the IL Dept. Of Transportation (IDOT) that will enhance pedestrian safety and connectivity in our community. We needed public support and the community responded! The grant application process was extremely competitive, and IDOT saw the need for sidewalks to make the route to school safer for students walking to and from school, catching the school bus and for all pedestrians.
The Safe Route to School Grant will focus on implementing infrastructure improvements such as sidewalks, crosswalks, and traffic calming measures, ensuring the safety of our children and all residents who use this infrastructure to get around. More specifically, sidewalks from Price Street to Gadwall Lane. Additionally, reducing the number of car trips decreases traffic congestion and air pollution around schools, contributing to a healthier environment. By promoting safe, healthy, and environmentally friendly ways for children to get to school, the Safe Routes to School Grant Program is beneficial for everyone involved.
Thank you to those who signed petitions and wrote letters of support. We received approximately 226 online petitions and 227 signatures on paper petitions distributed throughout businesses, schools, and Market Day attendees. Approximately 12 people attended a public hearing. A special thanks to Superintendent Dr. Ben Derges for sending a survey to the Tri-Valley community. All these combined efforts helped to receive the grant.
Maureen Roach, Public Safety Trustee
Press release: https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/gov-pritzker-announces-safe-routes-to-school-awards | 
