St. Louis Public Schools board approves letter supporting Brickline Greenway federal grant applications

The St. Louis Public Schools Board of Education voted to send a letter of support for Great Rivers Greenway’s Brickline Greenway federal funding applications. Michael Steinlage, program manager for Great Rivers Greenway, presented the project and requested a partner support letter for two grant applications to East West Gateway.

Steinlage said the first application is for the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement program (CMAQ), adding, “We are applying for about $6,600,000 in federal funds.” He described that CMAQ-funded work would connect Forest Park via Clayton Avenue and Boyle Avenue to the Cortex MetroLink station and said the work would combine roadway and greenway elements to reduce queuing and improve traffic flow.

The second application is for the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP), intended for nonvehicular improvements. Steinlage described a TAP segment that would connect Saint Louis University’s Laclede Avenue area down Spring Avenue, crossing near the foundry complex and connecting to the Grand Metrolink station. He said the TAP piece would include sidewalk improvements, safety upgrades and amenities south of SLU’s campus and would bring that corridor closer to a “complete street” standard.

Steinlage described community engagement and youth involvement as part of project planning: “In every single one of our projects, we conduct a lot of community engagement... and sometimes even we do youth groups.” He said Great Rivers Greenway’s civic engagement director, Shaughnessy Daniels, is the primary contact for school partnerships and outreach.

Board member Miss Henry moved to provide the letter of support; a second was made and the motion was approved. Recorded board responses during the vote included Miss Perry (yes), Miss Jones (yes), Miss Cousins (yes) and Miss Henry (yes). The motion was announced as approved.

The requested support letter, as described by Steinlage, asked only for endorsement of the application and did not commit the district to funding or operational responsibilities. Steinlage said East West Gateway is the regional entity receiving the applications and that the letters serve as partner endorsements for the grant packages.

Steinlage and the board also discussed student engagement opportunities tied to the project and federal grant requirements. He said apprenticeship provisions are often included in federal grant-funded construction contracts: “Those apprenticeship programs are actually baked into those where we are paying that cost to continue that education of new, career path, you know, individuals.” He offered to connect district staff with Great Rivers Greenway’s civic engagement team for further coordination.

Members did not request further conditions for the letter during the meeting; the district’s letter will signify support for the applications as described by the presenter.

The board moved on to other agenda items following the vote.