October 6, 2009 -- Williams Elementary School in Flint will celebrate the completion of a sidewalk improvement project tomorrow, Wednesday, Oct. 7, coinciding with National Walk to School Day. The federal Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program provided grants worth $10.3 million to 51 Michigan schools. The $369,125 project, administered by MDOT at Williams Elementary School, included sidewalk and crosswalk improvements on Iowa, Olive, Leith, Minnesota, Wyoming, Utah, Franklin, Vernon and Cook streets; installing a bicycle rack at the school; and introducing school-based education and encouragement activities, including Walk to School Day and Walking School Bus programs.
During tomorrow's Walk to School Day event, students will meet at a pre-determined location to walk to school with parents, teachers, and friends. A news conference will be held at the school, following the walk, beginning at 8:45 a.m. The school is located at 3501 Minnesota Ave., Flint.
"These improvements will benefit not only Michigan schoolchildren, but will result in safer routes for all pedestrians and bikers in these local neighborhoods," said State Transportation Director Kirk T. Steudle. "As an engineer and a parent, I am pleased our department is working closely with parents, teachers, students and neighborhoods to provide nonmotorized transportation improvements between home and school that encourage children to be more physically active."
SRTS is an international movement - and now a federal program - to make it safe, convenient and fun for children to bicycle and walk to school. SRTS initiatives also help ease traffic jams, air pollution, and unite neighborhoods. Walk to School Day events can be held anytime and are not restricted to Oct. 7. To host a Walk to School Day event or for more information on Safe Routes to School, including a list of schools registered for Walk to School Day 2009, visit www.saferoutesmichigan.org.
MDOT: Working to improve our state roads and bridges.
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