Safe Route to Schools moves toward Phase II

Saturday, May 9, 2009

After two years of preparation, the Safe Route to Schools program is nearing completion of its first phase.

The program, in which the City of Fort Scott and USD 234 are partnering, is currently in the designing process according to Susan Brown. She said they hope to have a list of sidewalks to be replaced sometime in June.

The program is designed to encourage students to walk or ride their bikes to school and promote physical activity. According to Brown, the program is also geared toward the safety of those students who participate.

"The whole purpose of the program is to provide an environment that is safe," Brown said.

The sidewalks which will be replaced are being determined through the teamwork of the parents of local students, local law enforcement, the school district, and the city.

Brown said once the designs have been finalized, the city and school district will apply for Phase II funding which is up to $250,000. She added Phase II has been delayed because the federal government has not announced if it will support the fund again this year.

"We're kind of waiting on them," Brown said.

Brown added they hope to start in the fall.