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Delaware
Delaware SRTS Program
Managed by the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT), Delaware’s federally funded Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program is the source for state coordinator contact details, federal SRTS funding amounts, SRTS applications and guidelines, and state SRTS program information.
Delaware DOT SRTS Coordinator
Sarah Coakley
(302) 760-2236
Sarah.Coakley@state.de.us
http://www.deldot.gov/information/community_programs_and_services/srts/index.shtml
Click on any of the menu items below for more information.
Delaware SRTS Federal Funding
Application Guidelines
State Advisory Committee
State Outreach Programs
Evaluation Methods
Success Story
Other Statewide and Regional Programs
Delaware Partner Affiliates
Legislation and Policies
Delaware SRTS Federal Funding
Delaware’s funding totals $4,990,000 and includes the following annual apportionments:
|
2005 Actual |
2006 Actual |
2007 Actual |
2008 Actual |
2009 Projected |
|
$1,000,000 |
$990,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
$1,000,000 |
Application Guidelines
Instead of application cycles for SRTS funding, the Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDOT) has a rolling application process for funding where applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Delaware’s program guidelines for both infrastructure and non-infrastructure funding require that schools form a SRTS committee of diverse stakeholders and develop a SRTS plan before applying. Up to $10,000 per school is available for planning assistance, once schools have established SRTS committees. Individual SRTS projects may be funded up to $125,000, with money available on a cost reimbursement basis.
For more information, please see Delaware DOT SRTS.
State Advisory Committee
The initial Delaware SRTS program included a SRTS Advisory Committee that assisted with developing and refining application guidelines, creating programmatic structure and conducting outreach to local community applicants. The Committee is no longer intact.
Applications for funding are reviewed by the SRTS Coordinator, with assistance from additional internal DOT staff as needed.
State Outreach Programs
DelDOT is in the process of establishing statewide contracts for education, encouragement, and enforcement activities, which may include contests/incentive programs, marketing programs, media campaigns, and crossing guard training.
Evaluation Methods
Applicants who are awarded DelDOT project and program funding are required to submit baseline data and data after the project or activity is implemented. The required data is gathered using the National Center for Safe Routes to School Student Arrival and Departure Talley Sheet and Parent Survey.
Success Story
Prior to the federal SRTS legislation, DelDOT sponsored a pilot program that provided up to $15,000 in state funds and consultant support to each of four schools through the creation of comprehensive SRTS plans. One of the schools, Downes Elementary School in Newark, already had an ongoing tradition of participating in International Walk to School Day. The school also had major congestion issues, access problems during school pick-up/drop-off, and lack of traffic awareness.
With state funds, Downes Elementary School developed a plan that included Walker/Biker Punch Cards, a walk at recess program, pedestrian safety education, and a walking school bus program. The SRTS committee coordinated with local police for enforcement of traffic laws near the school, and buses were separated from cars during arrival and dismissal by designating one parking lot for buses only. Changes in the pick-up and drop-off patterns have significantly reduced conflicts between students and buses. As a result of their efforts, over 500 students participated in the International Walk to School Day in 2006.
Other Statewide and Regional Programs
Organizations throughout the State are involved with initiatives relating to bicycle and pedestrian safety, and the health and fitness of children. DelDOT is currently working with the following agencies to integrate existing activities into the SRTS program and to encourage schools to take advantage of their programs as part of their SRTS plans.
Delaware Bicycle Council
Office of Highway Safety
University of Delaware Cooperative Extension
Nemours Health and Prevention Services
Delaware Partner Affiliates
Find out which organizations in your state have pledged their support for the Safe Routes to School movement.
Legislation and Policies
In 2002, three years before the federal SRTS program was created, Delaware Governor Ruth Ann Minner established a state Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program. As directed by Senate Bill 353 of the 141st General Assembly of Delaware (73 Del. Laws, c. 435), DelDOT developed a program that enabled the organization to work with schools in encouraging students to walk and bicycle to schools safely.
DelDOT made SRTS grants available for pilot programs at four schools in addition to a statewide Walk to School Day in 2006. Since the federal SRTS legislation was passed and federal funds made available, Delaware has not made additional state funds available for SRTS activities. Instead, DelDOT now has a single SRTS program that meets the requirements of both the state and federal legislation and is funded by the federal SRTS program.
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