Council adopts Safe Streets action plan, clearing path for grant funding

The Brandon City Council voted to adopt a regional Safe Streets for All safety action plan and the accompanying local project list, authorizing the city to pursue implementation grants for identified safety countermeasures.

Sam Trebelcock, a transportation planner with Houston Engineering representing the Southeastern Council of Governments (CCOG), told the council the plan is data-driven and region-wide: "It's a comprehensive safety action plan," and noted that the analysis showed a large share of fatal and serious injuries are concentrated on a very small share of roadways. Trebelcock said the regional effort drew broad engagement — "2,100 people visited our website" with about 1,400 contributions and local input that produced 93 map pinpoints and 48 surveys in Brandon.

Trebelcock highlighted Brandon projects that ranked high for data and public concern, including the Holly Boulevard and Sioux Boulevard intersection, the Chestnut corridor near the school and improvements on Split Rock. He described practical countermeasures such as reflective backplates on signals, improved crossing visibility and targeted access management that can often be low-cost but effective.

By adopting Resolution 11-26, the council accepted the plan and opened the door to apply for federal implementation grants through the Safe Streets program. Mayor Buck moved to adopt the resolution; the motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote.

The plan's adoption does not itself obligate funding for construction; it makes projects eligible for grant applications. City staff and CCOG representatives told council members they will remain available to answer follow-up questions and provide details as grant opportunities arise.