Finding project and program funds for Safe Routes to School programs will be an ongoing effort that requires cooperation of various stakeholders and government agencies. Funding takes time so it’s important not to get discouraged if initial efforts fail.

Most Safe Routes to School projects rely on local, state, federal or private funding. Broadly, two types of funding are available:

• Infrastructure funds are used to assess and make improvements to the physical walking and bicycling environment around schools. These include installing sidewalks or crosswalks, fixing hazardous facilities, or slowing traffic near schools.

Program funds are used to educate or encourage children to walk or bike to school. These activities might consist of in-school safety education, public outreach activities, traffic enforcement, and other related activities.

Federal Funding Programs

SAFETEA-LU, the federal transportation bill that provides $286.5 billion in funding through September 2009, became law on August 10, 2005. It includes a $612 million appropriation for a new national Safe Routes to School program that will provide benefits in all 50 states. Communities will use this funding to construct new bike lanes, pathways, and sidewalks, as well as to launch Safe Routes education and promotion campaigns in elementary and middle schools. Georgia is set to receive close to $17 million in SRTS funding through 2009. See SRTS Program Guidance and Bicycle and Pedestrian Provisions of the Federal-aid Program for a detailed view of federal funding programs.

Additional sources of federal funding include:

Transportation Enhancements
Transportation Enhancements (TE) federal-aid projects include bicycle and pedestrian projects. Both construction and safety programs are eligible for TE funds. Each state is given a share of Transportation Enhancements funds to distribute on a competitive basis, and local funding may also be made available through a Metropolitan Planning Organization.

In the CSRA, approximately 50% of TE funds have been used for streetscape projects.

Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality
Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) funds, made available to bolster efforts to attain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, are another funding source often used to pay for improvements for walking and bicycling. Primarily used in urban areas with air quality problems, these funds can benefit both the environment and SRTS programs.

State Funding Programs

All States administer TE funding based on their priorities. Georgia DOT generally follows the national guidelines in the awarding of funds but policies and priorities change from time to time. Consult the Georgia Transportation Enhancement Program for details on funding.

Local County and City Funding

CSRA local governments adopt budgets on an annual basis. Some local governments, such as Augusta-Richmond County and Columbia County, have included funding in their general fund budgets for bicycle and pedestrian projects. Local funding represents another source of SRTS funds.

Businesses and Individuals

Businesses and individuals often support SRTS programs either through (1) cash, prizes, and/or donations such as printing services or (2) grants made to community groups. By addressing issues related to child safety and the environment, SRTS programs are in a good position to benefit from such funding. The Foundation Center is an excellent source of potential funding sources.

Fundraising Events

Many SRTS programs raise funds by holding special events. From traditional bake sales to walkathons/bicycling events, events are a great way to raise funds.

For more detailed information on funding, please refer to:

• Federal Programs
• State Programs
• Local Programs
• Private Sector Programs