Community pushes for safer sidewalks along busy highway

During a recent government meeting, the Friends of 30A presented a proposal to the Tourist Development Council seeking support for a grant aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety along County Road 393. The initiative focuses on constructing a sidewalk from Highway 98 to Chad Holly, addressing the current lack of pedestrian facilities on this busy roadway.

Cliff Nauer, a board member of Friends of 30A, emphasized the urgent need for the project, citing the high volume of traffic—approximately 7,200 vehicles daily—and the recent establishment of a nearby RV park that has increased pedestrian activity. Nauer expressed concern over the safety of children riding bikes along the road, highlighting the risks posed by the absence of designated pedestrian pathways.

The Friends of 30A plan to apply for $2 million through the National Scenic Byway grant program, which has a total of $25 million available for similar projects. The Board of County Commissioners has already allocated $1 million as a matching fund for the initiative. Nauer noted that the group has been collaborating with the Department of Transportation for several months and is gathering additional letters of support from local organizations, including Scenic Walton and the sheriff's department, to strengthen their grant application.

The proposed sidewalk aims not only to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists but also to enhance the overall appeal of the scenic corridor, which has recently received national scenic highway designation. The Friends of 30A are hopeful that with the necessary support, they can secure the funding needed to bring this vital project to fruition.