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Authorization to Apply for Safe Routes to School Planning and Programming Grant & Resolution of Support
PURPOSE AND BACKGROUND: In early October, the Integrated Mobility Division (IMD) of NCDOT announced a new, Safe Routes to School grant opportunity for the 18-month period between January 2027 and June 2028. The program is an updated version of the non-infrastructure grant designed to support local and regional efforts to conduct Safe Routes to School (SRTS) planning and implementation of programs and activities that create safe opportunities for students to walk, bike and roll to school. Staff is requesting authorization to apply for the grant to continue the momentum developed through the preparation of the new SRTS Action Plan with a focus on programming and additional design work for certain infrastructure projects.
Staff anticipates a project budget of approximately $125,000, based on 80-percent grant funding ($100,000) and 20 percent local match ($25,000). Possible expenditures include purchasing bicycles and related safety equipment, potential contracting services for a part-time, time-limited position to assist with bicycle instruction, and printing expenses.
The submittal deadline is November 6, 2026. NCDOT has indicated that applicants may submit an initial application to demonstrate interest and follow with the required formal resolution of support from the elected board.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends that the Town Council consider approving the resolution of support provided (Attachment A).
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Department
DEPARTMENT: Planning, Zoning, and Inspections
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Fiscal and Staff Impact
FISCAL AND STAFF IMPACT: There is no financial impact associated with receiving this item. Should the Town’s application be selected for funding staff would prepare a follow-up agenda item to accept the grant and authorize the Town Manager to enter into an agreement with NCDOT. Staff would anticipate using a portion of the $150,000 allocated in the FY27 operating budget for the NC 54 Corridor Study for the $25,000 local match.
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Community Impact
COMMUNITY IMPACT: Funding from the grant will be used to develop programs that will provide hands-on bicycle and pedestrian safety instruction for students in Carrboro public schools, with a focus on bicycle training for fourth grade students. These programs designed to be worked into the regular curriculum, as part of physical education, would provide all students with a foundation in bike-ped safety regardless of race, gender or income.
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Climate Impact
CLIMATE IMPACT: Programs would encourage physical activity at a young age to begin healthy habits, and an understanding of travel options for getting to and from school. Associated benefits such as a better appreciation of nature and the environment are also anticipated. Establishing healthy habits at a young age and understanding that walking and biking to destinations is a reasonable travel option may in turn lead to multimodal travel choices later in life. As a non-infrastructure grant, changes to the physical environment-such as additional impervious surfaces or negative impacts to stormwater would not be anticipated.
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