The Michigan Department of Transportation and the Michigan Fitness Foundation announced some Genesee County schools will receive federal Safe Routes to School funding.

The schools will receive mini-grants to develop programs that encourage more students to walk and bicycle safely to school.

MDOT and the Michigan Fitness Foundation work with schools, neighborhoods, students, teachers, parents, school transportation directors and local law enforcement agencies on SRTS initiatives. There are two categories of grant funding.

One focuses on eliminating barriers to safe walking and bicycling with such safety improvements as sidewalk replacement and repair, crosswalk marking, installing bike racks and signs; and traffic calming and speed reduction measures. The other category focuses on educational activities to teach children to be safe and responsible on roadways and sidewalks while enjoying the health benefits of physical activity.

The mini-grants announced Friday will fund educational activities like "Walking School Bus" and "Corner Captains" programs. A "Walking School Bus" is a group of children who walk to school under the supervision of trained adult volunteer leaders, taking safe, designated routes with a timetable and specific meeting points.

"Corner Captains" assign trained adult volunteers and station them at selected corners along specific routes to keep a watchful eye on students walking to and from school.

"Safe Routes empowers schools to provide educational campaigns with proven track records," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "With this round of funding, MDOT is helping to establish Safe Routes initiatives in communities all the way from the Upper Peninsula to Detroit. We are pleased to participate in this program."

Genesee County (three schools)

Flint
In partnership with the Crim Foundation, Durant-Tuuri-Mott Elementary School will receive a $4,993 mini-grant to continue its Walking School Bus program. The program continues to encourage students who live within a 1.5-mile radius of the school to walk in groups along designated routes.

Incentives related to physical activity and healthy eating also will be included for students and volunteers. The program expects to serve up to 50 students with the support of 10 adult volunteers and six school staff members.

Scott Elementary School will receive a $5,000 mini-grant to establish a Walking School Bus program for up to 40 students that will operate on a daily basis before and after school, and also serve students attending after-school programs. It will include classroom safety instruction for students and training for route leaders and volunteers.

In partnership with the Crim Foundation, Washington Elementary School will receive a $4,992 mini-grant to continue its Walking School Bus program. The program continues to encourage students who live within a 1.5-mile radius of the school to walk in groups along designated routes.

Incentives related to physical activity and healthy eating also will be included for students and volunteers. The program expects to serve up to 50 students with the support of 10 adult volunteers and six school staff members.

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