Committee greenlights application for federal Safe Routes to School funds to replace flashing lights, add pedestrian upgrades

The Finance Administration Committee on Aug. 21 voted to authorize staff to submit a TASA (Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside) application that would fund replacement of flashing school-zone lights and expanded pedestrian improvements on routes to Saint Margaret School and Marion Elementary. Staff said the TASA program is federal money administered through the state and this year prioritizes Safe Routes to School projects.

Staff described the current capital plan as calling for replacement of flashing lights at an estimated cost of about $67,000, and said the TASA application would allow the borough to expand the project to include ADA curb ramps and additional crosswalk upgrades. The presenter said the application requires a small up-front engineering expense—about $5,000—to prepare the submission; if awarded, design and bidding services would cost about $25,000 and the grant would fund 100% of construction costs while the borough would pay engineering fees.

Staff told the committee the preliminary application is due Sept. 6 and that the final application process follows later. Committee members discussed existing on-street crossing behavior near Saint Margaret’s and expressed support for the project. The committee voted to authorize the application and the associated preparatory engineering expense and noted that engineering and design costs would be budgeted in next year’s process if the borough receives the award.