Milton staff to seek Safe Streets for All planning grant to develop a safety action plan

City staff and council discussed pursuing a U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets for All planning grant; Jacob (staff) told the council that CT Consultants offered to submit the application at no charge to the city.

Jacob said the grant funds a safety action plan that would review Milton’s streets for safety and expansion concerns and would strengthen future federal or state funding applications. If selected, the project would carry a roughly 20 percent local match. Jacob estimated total project costs in the range of $120,000 to $150,000, meaning the city’s share would be roughly 20 percent of that amount if awarded.

Staff said the application deadline is in April and that awards and planning work would take place through 2026 if selected; earlier submissions increase the likelihood of selection. Councilmembers asked whether the council would be bound to any specific Vision Zero or fatality‑reduction targets; staff said the city would review and vote on any grant agreement and on the plan’s goals before entering a binding contract.

Staff also disclosed that CT Consultants expects to compete for the subsequent planning contract if the grant is awarded; the council would select the contractor through the city’s competitive procurement process. Members recommended placing the grant application authorization on the consent agenda so staff can meet the application deadline.