SALEM – The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee will meet at 1 p.m. on Jan. 21 via conference call. Agenda items include a presentation from staff analyzing work and challenges in 2020, a briefing and input on 2021 program direction and more. Meetings are open to the public; see the website for call in information. Materials in an alternate format or another type of accommodation to participate is available by contacting LeeAnne Fergason at 503-986-5805, or call statewide relay at 711. The committee has also set meeting dates for the rest of 2021: March 18; April 20; July 15; September 16; November 18. In 2021, the committee will focus on ODOT’s Safe Routes to School Education Program, doing a deep dive into program opportunities and challenges and recommending program priorities. The Safe Routes to School Advisory Committee is made up of 18 volunteers who have been appointed by the ODOT director. The members represent topics and organizations including health, equity, Safe Routes to School practitioner, School district pupil transportation, Oregon Department of Education, League of Oregon Cities, Association of Oregon Counties, Metropolitan Planning Organization, each ODOT region, law enforcement, ODOT, small city, Oregon Bike and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, and Oregon Transportation Safety Committee. The committee meets at least quarterly and is charged with recommending projects for funding in ODOT’s Safe Routes to School Construction and Education Grant Programs. The committee is advisory to the Oregon Transportation Commission and ODOT. More information about the Safe Routes to School Competitive Construction Grant Program, the Competitive Education Grant Program, planning assistance, and the Rapid Response Construction Grant Program (accepting applications now) is available on the Safe Routes to School Program site.
