CONTACT: Tim Judge, MDOT Muskegon TSC manager, 231-777-3451

WHAT: Open House to learn more about the Safe Routes to School project on 6th Street and Barney Avenue that will take place this construction season. Everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to speak directly with staff from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) and officials from the city of Muskegon Heights.

WHO: MDOT staff, City of Muskegon Heights staff, General public

WHEN: Wednesday, March 11, 2009   4-6 p.m.

WHERE:

E. Grace Loftis Elementary School

School Library

2301 6th Street, Muskegon Heights

Special accommodations: 231-777-3451

BACKGROUND: The city of Muskegon Heights and E. Grace Loftis Elementary School received a one-time grant from the Safe Routes to School program for improvements on 6th Street and Barney Avenue. Work will begin after school dismisses for the summer in June, and is scheduled to be completed before school resumes in September. Improvements include replacing broken sidewalk, removing and replacing trees that are causing damage to the sidewalk or that pose a hazard of falling branches, and constructing handicapped-accessible sidewalk ramps.

Safe Routes to School is a federally-funded program that makes walking or biking to school safe and appealing, and develops projects to reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution and improve safety in the vicinity of elementary schools.

To learn more about this project, plan to attend the public meeting on March 11.

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