States report record numbers in last quarter 2008

Safe Routes Matters: 
January/February 2009

The National Safe Routes to School Program expanded significantly during the fourth quarter (Oct–Dec) of 2008. The total amount of SRTS spending announced through December 31 was $370.6 million, which is an $80.6 million (28 percent) increase in total awards from the $290.0 reported for the previous quarter. The $80.6 million announced by States is the largest quarterly increase since the Federal SRTS program began. Funding announcements made by a host of States as well as a major announcement by California contributed to setting this new mark.

Walking family

State Safe Routes to School Programs have announced Federal awards for 89 percent of the $416 million that has been made available to States through 2008. Forty-nine States and D.C. have announced spending of SRTS funds for 4,566 local programs, up from 4,089 local programs in 47 States at the end of September 2008. When statewide non-infrastructure activities are included, all 50 States and D.C. have spent SRTS funding.

  • All states and the District of Columbia have announced funding for local and/or statewide SRTS programs.
  • 49 states and the District of Columbia have announced funding for local SRTS programs.
  • Approximately $370.6 million has been awarded for SRTS programs.
  • At least 4,566 schools are participating in SRTS programs.

For the full report, and to see previous reports, go here.