The Planning Assistance Program is for small or resource-poor elementary and middle schools, school districts, non-profit organizations, and communities. State, local, and regional agencies, including non-profit organizations, that demonstrate an ability to meet the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) requirements, may apply for funding. The funds are to be spent for schools that provide education between kindergarten and eighth grade levels.
Program Intent
The intent of the program is to provide the applicant with technical resources needed to plan and implement their own SRTS projects. As a condition of the program, the applicant will apply for the next cycle of SRTS infrastructure and/or non-infrastructure funding.
This
is not a program to improve school pick-up/drop-off areas for the
benefit of cars and buses; This is not a program to construct only
sidewalks; this is not a program to construct only crosswalks. All
of the benefits of the variety of programs and projects ultimately
recommended by you and the consultant will be for the safety and walking/biking
convenience of elementary and middle school students.
Services Available
If your planning assistance application is selected, ADOT will enlist the services of a consultant for you. The consultant may recommend that you receive some of the following services:
- Conduct site/needs assessments of school area.
- Develop school walking and bicycling route plans and maps.
- Recommend infrastructure solutions and locations.
- Recommend and provide guidance for non-infrastructure solutions.
- Develop school bicycle/pedestrian education, enforcement, encouragement programs.
- Conduct pre- and post- program/project evaluations.
- Conduct SRTS training sessions and community meetings.
- Provide application writing assistance for next SRTS application.
Applicant Responsibilities
The applicant will provide assistance to the consultant in writing the SRTS application. If our request is for infrastructure funding (i.e., engineering, construction), these items will require the approval of our appropriate public works, engineering, and/or transportation professionals before we begin the application.
If your SRTS Planning Assistance request is selected, the SRTS project described within will be submitted for consideration for possible additional funding through the regular SRTS funding cycle. If the project is selected, it could result in additional commitments of time and resources by the applicant.
Scoring
All applications for SRTS Planning Assistance will be judged on the applicant's true need.
Awards
ADOT's SRTS will select and notify up to 5 qualified applicants during the first half of each calendar year.
