HARRISBURG – Senator David G. Argall (R-29) and Representative Jerry Knowles (R-124) today announced $303,985 for Orwigsburg Borough as part of the federally funded program designed to make it safer for kids to walk and bike to school. The Borough will use the funding to construct sidewalks and curbing on Lawrence and Red Dale Road between East Market Street and Blue Mountain Elementary East.
“This program provides our smaller communities with the resources to keep our children safe,” said Argall. “It is also a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle for our kids.”
The Federal Safe Routes to School initiative, included in the federal transportation bill — Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, or SAFETEA-LU — authorizes federal programs for highways, highway safety, and transit from 2005 through 2009. Pennsylvania received $16.8 million for the Safe Routes to Schools Program.
“These projects are wise investments,” said Knowles. “These are the type of infrastructure improvements that are essential to the overall quality of life for our residents.”
Projects awarded funding were reviewed by Metropolitan and Rural Planning Organizations, the Federal Highway Administration, PennDOT district and central offices, the state departments of Conservation and Natural Resources, Health, and Education, and the Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity. Schools serving grades K through 8 are eligible for the 100 percent federally funded program. No local or state match is required.
“We’re grateful for this opportunity to provide safe access to the schools for Borough residents,” said Mike Lonergan, Orwigsburg Borough Manager. “This will also provide a safe route for those utilizing the walking trail from the school to Market Street,” Lonergan added.
Projects receiving funding are those that best address the “Five ‘E’s of Safe Routes to School,” including education, encouragement, enforcement, evaluation and engineering.
Contact: Nick Troutman
(717) 787-2637