|
Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grants
(State Funds)
2008 Call for Projects
PROJECT PROPOSALS DUE May 9, 2008
|
|
The Washington State Legislature included $74 million to support pedestrian and bicycle safety projects such as pedestrian and bicycle paths, sidewalks, safe routes to school and transit. A separate call is available for the Safe Routes to School program.
Purpose
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grants were established to address the nearly 400 statewide fatal and injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicycles each year. The following provides details for the Pedestrian & Bicycle Safety program.
Program Contacts
Region Local Program Engineers
or
Paula Reeves at 360-705-7258 or reevesp@wsdot.wa.gov
GRANT CRITERIA AND REQUIRMENTS
Examples of Eligible Projects
Projects that help reduce the nearly 400 fatal and injury collisions involving pedestrians and bicyclists that occur each year in Washington are eligible to apply for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grants. These safety focused projects may also support increased mobility and encourage more people to bicycle and walk. The following are examples of eligible projects and programs.
Engineering improvements – based on recent state and national research, arterial streets in urban areas with higher speeds and volumes are the locations with the most collisions and risk. The research also indicates that several treatments may effectively reduce pedestrian and bicycle collisions at these locations. Projects may include items such as:
- Intersection improvements such as: curb extensions, lighting, raised median, crosswalk enhancements, signs, signals and mid-block crossing treatments;
- Completing bicycle lanes and sidewalks;
- Constructing bicycle and pedestrian paths;
- Providing safe routes to transit;
- Pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements for at risk groups (children, elderly and people with disabilities).
Education efforts – inform the public about project and how it improves safety, educate the public about biking and walking safety in general, and include the broad range of transportation choices and events and activities that promote walking and biking safely. Projects may include items such as:
- Implementation of educational curricula.
- Distribution of educational materials.
- Walk or bike promotional programs.
- Pedestrian sting operations.
Eligible applicants
All public agencies in Washington are eligible to apply.
Funding
A total of $11 million of state funds is available for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Safe Routes to School grants.
Match requirement
While match is not a requirement, preference shall be given to projects that provide match. Projects are to be submitted as complete projects and fully funded.
Program Requirements
1. Grant recipients are required to report quarterly on the status of the project.
2. Grant recipients shall comply with the new state cultural resource requirements outlined in Executive Order 05-05.
3. Grant recipients shall provide a one-page project design concept for approval prior to construction.
Applications
The application shall be submitted online, or as a Microsoft Word document, or an Adobe Acrobat pdf file and include the following to be considered:
1. A completed Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Grant Application Form.
Please do not include pictures, letters of support or other unsolicited supporting detail.
Submittal Process
Applications must either be sent on CD, submitted on-line, or by e-mail (paper submittals will not be accepted). Applications must be received by midnight May 9, 2008.
Applications on CD may be submitted to the following address:
ATTN: Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety
WSDOT Highways & Local Programs
310 Maple Park Ave SE
PO Box 47390
Olympia, WA 98504-7390
OR
Applications may be sent by e-mail to hlpgrants@wsdot.wa.gov
PROGRAM CONTACTS
Region Local Program Engineers
or
Paula Reeves at 360-705-7258 or reevesp@wsdot.wa.gov
GRANT EVALUATION
All proposals will be reviewed to ensure that they are complete and eligible for funding. An advisory group will evaluate the proposals and make recommendations. A site visit will be conducted by WSDOT staff prior to developing the list of priorities. A prioritized list of projects will be submitted to the Governor’s office and the legislature by December 15, 2008, to select projects for funding. Announcements are expected by June 2009.
The following criteria will be used to evaluate the project proposals.
(1) Current Conditions – Do the current conditions indicate risk for pedestrians and/or bicyclists. Based on recent state and national research, arterial streets in urban areas with higher speeds and volumes, and housing mixed with commercial attractions, transit service, and other pedestrian and bicycle generators are the locations with the most collisions and risk.
5 Pts = High risk location. For example, a location with fatal or disabling pedestrian and/or bicyclist involved crash history on a high speed, high volume street/road in a population center.
3 Pts = Moderate risk location. For example, a location with pedestrian or bicyclist involved injury crash history on 30-40 mph, moderate volume road.
1 Pt = Lower risk location. For example, a location with demonstrated risk for pedestrians and bicyclists due to increasing development in the area, increasing traffic volumes, etc.
(2) Project Impact – How well will the project: reduce potential pedestrian and bicycle conflicts with motor vehicle traffic and/or establish safer and fully accessible crossings, walkways, trails or bikeways consistent with WSDOT Design Standards or the AASHTO “Guide for the Planning Design, and Operation of Pedestrian Facilities” or “Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities”.
5 Pts = Substantial long term solution.
3 Pts = Moderate improvements.
1 Pt = Little or no safety improvement to be derived from the project.
(3) Implementation – Is there a demonstrated need for the proposed improvements, and, if appropriate for the project/program, a strong partnership among local agencies that will ensure this project moves ahead on time and on budget.
5 Pts = Clear, committed multi-agency partnership and/or ability to complete the project between June 2009 and June 2011.
3 Pts = Multi-agency partnership and/or completion date between June 2011 and June 2012.
1 Pt = No established partnerships or partnerships to be established after receipt of grant and/or completion date after June 2012.
|
