AGENDA ITEM EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE*
title
Safe Routes to School Planning and Programming Grant Application to the North Carolina Department of Transportation
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RESPONSIBLE STAFF, TITLE, DEPARTMENT*
Alyson West, Safe Routes to School Coordinator, Planning Department
Bergen Watterson, Mobility and Greenways Manager, Planning Department
Britany Waddell, Director, Planning Department
STAFF RECOMMENDATION*
That the Council adopt the resolution supporting the Safe Routes to School Planning and Programming Grant application to the North Carolina Department of Transportation in the amount of $394,974.37.
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BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT*
On Nov 5th, 2026 staff applied for the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s (NCDOT) Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planning and Programming Grant. The grant application seeks 18 months of funding (January 1, 2027 - June 30, 2028) to continue the Town’s Safe Routes to School Program, focusing on implementing recommendations from the 2025 Safe Routes to School Action Plan <https://engage.chapelhillnc.gov/27005/widgets/102435/documents/72423>.
The grant funding will support a full-time SRTS Coordinator and a part-time SRTS intern to administer the grant and conduct the work, funding to purchase Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs), a consultant to design safety demonstration projects around schools, materials and supplies for the demonstration projects, and support and supplies for outreach and education events targeted at under-engaged populations. Other direct costs would cover in-state and out-of-state travel to conferences and trainings. This funding is a continuation of the Safe Routes to School Non- Infrastructure Grant originally received in 2023 and will require a 20% local match of $78,994.87.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
If awarded the $394,974.37 grant, the Town will continue to fund personnel costs, operating costs, and other direct costs related to the SRTS work in the FY27 and FY28 grant years (January 1, 2027- June 30, 2028). The grant requires a 20% local match of $78,994.87, which will come out of bicycle and pedestrian safety funding. If the Town receives the grant, staff will bring an item back to Council to formally recognize and appropriate the funds in January 2027.
ATTACHMENT
Resolution
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