http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/bike-pedestrian-paths-s460.pngSafe Streets and Roads for All grants issued to eight Wisconsin communities.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers today, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), announced more than $6 million in federal grants will be distributed to eight Wisconsin counties and municipalities to help develop comprehensive plans to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced the Safe Streets and Roads for all (SS4A) grant program recipients this week. 

“From Milwaukee to Park Falls, these funds are going to support creative solutions to the problems affecting Wisconsin roads, helping keep drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and communities safe,” said Gov. Evers. “We’ve been working hard over the past four years to ensure Wisconsinites have the safe and reliable transportation system and quality of life they deserve and expect, and we appreciate our federal partners and their commitment to building a better, safer future for our state and country.”

Of the more than $6 million investment, the city of Milwaukee will receive $4.4 million to fund a project that addresses safety concerns for pedestrians and cyclists at 26 intersections in the city. Data shows crashes at these intersections resulted from high speeds and reckless driving behaviors.

The seven other grant recipients will build action plans to redesign roads, sidewalks, and crosswalks to make them safer for all road users. The funding is part of the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). 

The SS4A grant program is an opportunity for communities to develop plans and projects that stress responsible driving, safer road designs, speed limits, and improved post-crash care. 

“States across the nation have seen a rise in deadly crashes and risky driving behaviors in recent years,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. “This funding allows Wisconsin communities to refine their approach to highway safety; to design a transportation system that addresses reckless driving and saves lives.” 

In addition to the $4.4 million grant for the city of Milwaukee, seven communities will receive a total of more than $2.28 million in grants, including:

• Milwaukee County — $800,000;
• St. Croix County — $500,000;
• City of Madison — $267,680;
• Kenosha County — $240,000;
• Brown County — $200,000;
• City of Park Falls — $144,000; and
• Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians — $132,500.

Wisconsin’s communities were among the 473 action plan and 37 implementation grants in this first round of the program. The next funding opportunity for other BIL grants is expected to be released in April. WisDOT is poised to help communities tap into $1.1 billion in available new funding. A summary of open and future grants, how communities can request a Letter of Support, and other resources are available at wisconsindot.gov/BIL. 

Read more about the Safe Streets and Roads for All grant program on the USDOT website.