Jones County approves pursuing Safe Streets for All planning grant; county match expected about $35,000

Jones County commissioners on May 6 authorized staff to pursue a Safe Streets for All (SS4A) planning grant to produce a countywide roadway safety plan focused on pedestrians and bicyclists, with the intent that the planning work will support future infrastructure grant applications.

Planning staff described SS4A as a federal program that awards planning grants that make jurisdictions more competitive for later implementation funding. Staff estimated the countywide planning study would cost roughly $175,000 with an 80/20 split, meaning the county's match would be approximately $35,000; past comparable awards in similar counties were cited as a benchmark.

Staff recommended including the City of Grey in a joint county-city planning application to provide a comprehensive study of pedestrian and bicycle safety across jurisdictions. Commissioners discussed the timeline and matching requirement; staff said planning work typically takes up to 12 months after funding is awarded and that a planning document remains useful for several years though some funders may request a refresh after five years.

Commissioners voted to proceed with the grant application and to coordinate with the city; the motion passed. Staff will return with final grant language and a written commitment for the local match if the application moves forward.

Ending: If awarded, the planning grant would fund a countywide safety plan to inform later construction grants and identify locations with the highest pedestrian/bicycle safety needs; staff will work with the city on a joint application and prepare match documentation.