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NHCOG wins $350,000 Safe Streets grant; HRSA mental-health project continues and region included in federal rural health plans

Northwest Hills Council of Governments (NHCOG) · February 20, 2026

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Summary

NHCOG reported a $350,000 Safe Streets for All grant for a safety action plan and ongoing consultant selection for a bus stop amenity study. Separately, the HRSA adolescent mental health grant is on track and the region's proposal was included in Connecticut's $154 million federal Rural Health Transformation application, potentially bringing up to $500,000/year.

NHCOG reported several grant successes and progress on regional health and transportation initiatives.

Transportation: Staff reported NHCOG received $350,000 for a Safe Streets for All safety action plan; the grant agreement has been submitted to the Federal Highway Administration for review and authorization. The council is reviewing four consultant proposals for a bus stop amenity study, and three finalists will provide demonstrations of an AI road management tool to road supervisors in March.

Health: Leo provided an HRSA update: the adolescent mental health program (funded through 06/30/2027) is on schedule, training 89 school-based mental health providers so far and launching virtual peer-support groups for school staff. Separately, Connecticut secured $154,000,000 in federal Rural Health Transformation funding for FY26–2031; NHCOG staff said a regional project idea they submitted — hiring three regional community health navigators and a shared tracking platform — was included in the state's application and could yield up to $500,000 per year to the region if awarded.

Why it matters: The Safe Streets funding will support a regional safety action plan and position NHCOG to implement infrastructure or education components once FHWA fully authorizes the grant. The HRSA and rural health planning work aim to expand adolescent mental-health access and to connect residents facing transportation or access barriers with clinical and community services.

Ending: Staff will proceed with FHWA review steps, continue consultant selection for bus stop and AI tools, and monitor state/federal decisions on the Rural Health Transformation program. Board members encouraged staff to keep municipalities informed as projects progress.