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Daniels County staff discuss federal SS4A grant and multi-county application options
Summary
County staff outlined the U.S. DOT SS4A grant opportunity—roughly $650 million for projects and $250 million for safety plan writing—urging counties to consider collective or individual applications and noting a typical 20% local match requirement.
County staff briefed Daniels County commissioners on the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary grant program during the April 2 meeting, describing available funding, eligibility priorities, and a compressed application timetable.
Staff said roughly $650 million is available for implementation projects and about $250 million for writing comprehensive safety action plans. They noted SS4A prioritizes rural areas and communities where a significant share of the population is below the poverty line, and that a competitive application typically requires an existing or in-progress safety action plan. Staff stated preliminary applications (as discussed at the meeting) were due April 24 with final applications about a month later; commissioners were advised to verify official dates and deadlines with grant materials.
The county discussed options for responding to the short timeline: counties could submit individual applications if they have a plan, or multiple counties could coordinate a collective submission to share planning resources and match obligations. Staff said a 20% local match was expected in many cases, though state funds could sometimes be used to support county match depending on arrangements. Staff offered to help counties identify existing plans, provide a framework tied to the state plan, and serve as a conduit for interested counties to coordinate a joint application or share planning resources.
Commissioners and staff discussed the practical challenges of meeting the deadline, who would write any required safety plan, and the need to verify eligibility criteria (including the county's poverty-rate standing). The office leading outreach said it would contact other counties, consolidate interested participants, and follow up by email to track progress and next steps.
Next steps: staff will follow up with commissioners and neighboring counties to determine interest, confirm deadlines with grant administrators, and, if appropriate, help arrange framework materials or plan-writing support for Daniels County or a multi-county application.
