The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee is recommending 28 projects for funding, totaling $31.4 million, for ODOT’s Safe Routes to School Competitive Construction Grant Program. This grant provides state funds to build safety projects—such as sidewalks and crossings—within a two-mile radius of schools to address barriers to students walking and rolling to school. These funds will focus on under-resourced communities and safety.

In August 2024, ODOT received 51 applications from across the state for the Safe Routes to School Competitive Construction Grant Program totaling $67.8 million in needed safety improvements. The committee and staff put in more than 100 hours reviewing and evaluating potential projects using the scoring criteria and priorities determined by the committee in early 2024. All applications addressed barriers to students walking and biking with needed safety improvements.  

The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee met on Nov. 21 and Dec.16, 2024 to approve a recommended project list for the Safe Routes to School Construction Competitive Grant Program for the Oregon Transportation Commission’s consideration. The commission will vote on the project list at their Jan. 16 meeting.

Learn more about the selection process and next steps for the recommended projects.

About the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee 

Formed in August 2018, the Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee advises ODOT in program policy and recommendations for funding allocation for both the Safe Routes to School construction and education programs. The committee consists of about 15 volunteers representing community organizations, schools, state and local agencies, advocacy groups and more.

Meetings are open to everyone. Learn more and get involved here.

Learn more about ODOT's Safe Routes to School program at oregonsaferoutes.org.