In early January 2009, the Iowa Transportation Commission approved over $1.7 million for 18 Safe Routes to School Programs. The Safe Routes to School Program was created with federal transportation funds in 2005 with the purpose of increasing the number of children safely walking and bicycling to school. The funding is available to cities, counties, state agencies, nonprofit agencies, and public and private schools through an annual application-based program.
The Boone community will benefit from this funding for infrastructure at Franklin Elementary School and the Boone Middle School. The BCH Foundation assisted in helping the Boone community to receive over $250,000 for Safe Routes to School. Most of the funds will go towards new sidewalks, sidewalk repairs and other updates to be ADA (American Disabilities Act) compliant. |