Coryell County declines to apply for Safe Streets for All NOFO this cycle

CORYELL COUNTY, Texas — Coryell County commissioners voted Thursday not to submit an application under the current Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Notice of Funding Opportunity, citing limited county benefit, local bandwidth for grant administration and changed federal rules.

Joy Nicholas and Corey Acevedo of Natural Resource Solutions briefed the court on a revised SS4A strategy. They said the county’s 2024 application — which sought implementation funds including stream-crossing improvements — did not receive funding. Under revised guidance, the consultants recommended switching from a larger implementation application to a “demonstration activities” application with a $5 million federal cap and a required 20% local cost share (which may be in-kind). Joy Nicholas said demonstration activities are temporary pilot projects and that striping and temporary pilot installations could be included but would not be permanent construction.

Nicholas told the court the revised application would focus on pedestrian crossings, sidewalks, bike lanes, road striping, curve improvements and education materials. She said the June 26 deadline for the current NOFO remained firm.

Several commissioners voiced skepticism about the county’s ability to benefit from a SS4A demonstration grant because much of the eligible work — sidewalks, crossings and bike lanes — typically falls on cities and school districts, not rural county roads. Commissioner Weddle raised concerns about the county’s limited grant-administration bandwidth and questioned paying for planning studies when the county lacks funds for construction. Commissioner Matthews and others said the county could instead focus on low-water crossing safety solutions (flashing lights, gauges) but noted initial implementation funds for crossings had been removed from the current NOFO; consultants said low-water crossing audits could be included as demonstration activities or audits, but implementation would be subject to program rules.

After discussion, Commissioner Weddle moved and Commissioner Matthews seconded a motion that Coryell County not pursue an SS4A application under the current NOFO. The court voted in favor; the motion carried.

Joy Nicholas confirmed the county’s decision to the consulting team and said NRS would stand down on work for this funding cycle. Commissioners asked staff to consider alternative, locally controlled funding options for low-water crossing warnings and to prioritize grants where the county has capacity to administer implementation work.

The court’s action does not preclude future applications under changed rules or future NOFOs, the court said.