What Happened
Two cities in Washington State, Kennewick and Richland, have received a $3 million grant to—among other things—conduct traffic studies in areas where a large number of traffic-related fatalities occur. The grant is part of a $50 million U.S. Department of Transportation program.
Almost $700,000 will be used by the cities to upgrade traffic signals, and to change the types of crosswalk countdowns available to pedestrians. Another $445,000 will be used to implement changes currently being studied in Richland.
The Process
According to Ken Nelson, assistant public works director in Kennewick, the grant was obtained after filing a grant application, though he notes the process was relatively quick. While the funds came later than expected, they will be put to immediate use.
According to China Bialos, grants research analyst at grant-management software firm eCivis, the Washington grants coincide with the recent release of additional federal funds for pedestrian warning systems, which “may aid traffic and pedestrian safety in Washington alongside efforts by the state’s own Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety and Safe Routes to School programs,” she said.
Related Resources
- Related DoT RFP: Transit Safety Research Program—Pedestrian Collision Warning Demonstration Project
- Washington’s “Safe Routes to School” program
- Information on Washington’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Funding
- WSDOT’s City Safety program
Preferred Partner
EfficientGov’s preferred partner for grant services is eCivis. Please contact Benh Pham at bpham@ecivis.com for information on how they can help your municipality.