On May 30, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) announced their 2012 Safe Routes to School program awards, funding 68 projects in 48 communities, totaling more than $16 million dollars. An additional 19 communities have been awarded funds for school travel plan development. This is the highest amount of funding the Ohio program has distributed at one time. For a complete award list, click here.

What’s New New?

I have written before about how well the state network project is doing. Looking at the first seven months, I am happy to report there has been a real growth spurt as the number of participants increases, as do the contact lists. And the organizers’ skills are getting noticed as are the networks activities. Here are some snapshots:

Montana Safe Routes to School continues to improve safety and healthy options for children across Montana. In March of 2012, Montana Safe Routes to School announced $928,406 in Safe Routes to School awards for state fiscal year 2013, which began July 1, 2012. Six communities were awarded infrastructure funding for projects ranging from $14,000 for signing and crossing improvements to $114,386 for a pathway in eastern Montana.

This fall marks 20 years since I moved to California. I was born in Manhattan and grew up there and in New Jersey – learning important lessons about taking initiative and being direct - but I always had an eye toward the west and a fascination with the innovative ideas and policies that often originate in California and then go nationwide. 

Co-authored with Kathy Cooke, network coordinator - One of the most common interests shared by staff at the Safe Routes Partnership is a love of books. Reading books, belonging to book clubs, haunting book stores when we're not working -- you name it.

October is my favorite time of year. Fall has finally arrived, as well as the state fair in the great state of Texas. One other huge reason I love the month of October is that Wednesday, October 3 is Walk and Bike to School Day.

Since it is now past October 1 and the MAP-21 transportation law is officially in effect, I was hoping to blog this month about the guidance from US Department of Transportation.  Guidance provides additional information to the states about how to implement Transportation Alternatives.

Today, the US Department of Transportation released its interim guidance, which provides states with additional information on how to implement the new transportation bill, MAP-21. Overall the guidance should be helpful to states and MPOs as they implement the bill and there is some good news in the guidance.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation Safe Routes to School program (LASRTS) will open the 7^th cycle of funding January 2, 2013. Throughout the first six application cycles, LASRTS has funded 65 applicants; providing improvements to 88 schools around the state. Louisiana expects to fund more than $2 million in projects in the 2013 application cycle. Applications are due March 1, 2013.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday – not just because of the delicious food and the afternoon nap on the couch. As we kick off the month of gift giving and celebration that is the holiday season this day is very simply about quality time with family and friends and giving thanks.

A Special Invitation