MARION – Marion has been awarded a Safe Routes to Schools grant for $249,810 that will allow for a new sidewalk to be constructed on Fair Street and close the gap between Route 13 and Lincoln Elementary on Morningside Drive.
The money is coming from the Safe Routes to School program which provides grants for local projects that will help boost the health and safety of children by making walking and biking to school safer and more accessible. It is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation using federal funds to support projects and activities that improve safety and encourage active transportation options in areas around elementary, middle and high schools. Improvements include new and upgraded sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, public education and outreach programs.
According to IDOT, a total of $9.8 million dollars was awarded to 47 projects selected from 143 applications received from local governments and schools throughout the state.
