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Cape Cod MPO hears Safe Routes to Schools grants overview; signs-and-lines award increased to $10,000
Summary
MPO staff described two Safe Routes to Schools grant streams: a quick-build Signs & Lines grant (reimbursable, increased to $10,000, completion by 06/30/2024) and a larger Infrastructure grant (K–12 focused, applications due Oct. 6, ADA and MassDOT engineering directives required).
MPO members on Sept. 18 were briefed on two Safe Routes to Schools grant programs intended to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety around schools.
Miranda, the Safe Routes presenter, told the MPO there are two open grant streams: a Signs & Lines quick-build program and a longer-term Infrastructure program. "Our signs and lines grant program is meant to be quick build," she said, and noted the maximum grant award was raised from $6,000 to $10,000 "to accommodate increases in costs and inflation." The Signs & Lines grants are reimbursement based and explicitly exclude right‑of‑way acquisition, recurring costs (such as crossing-guard salaries), and non‑MUTCD‑compliant signage.
The Infrastructure grant is intended for larger transportation and capital improvements that serve K–12 students (projects must be within 2 miles of the school and in the public right of way or on bicycle/pedestrian paths). Miranda said there is no required local match, except that any temporary or permanent right‑of‑way costs must be absorbed by the municipality. Applications for infrastructure grants are due Friday, Oct. 6, with notifications expected in early–mid December; Signs & Lines applicants will be notified mid– to late October.
Members asked questions about eligibility for regional vocational/technical schools and engineering standards for mid‑block crosswalks. Miranda said regional schools are eligible if they receive public funding and are Safe Routes partners and that lead municipal coordination should be the municipality where the school is located. On mid‑block crossings and engineering waivers, Miranda said reviews are case‑by‑case and typically involve the Complete Streets team and MassDOT engineering directives.
What’s next: Staff expects to work with selected municipalities and AECOM to implement awarded projects and reiterated the completion deadline for Signs & Lines projects of June 30, 2024.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 464; topfinish SEG 706
