Economic Stimulus Bill
In early 2009, Congress passed an economic stimulus bill, called the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to help the ailing economy get back on track. The final legislation provides $789 billion in spending and tax cuts to stimulate the economy. ARRA provides an important opportunity for states, cities, counties and schools to create healthier communities. Funding is available in several programs to build sidewalks, bike lanes, pathways, and to create complete streets. This infrastructure can help to create an interconnected bicycle and pedestrian network, improving safety and providing opportunities for increased physical activity for both children and adults.
The Safe Routes to School National Partnership worked with coalitions to demonstrate the need for including funding for bicycle and pedestrian projects—including Safe Routes to School—in ARRA. We continue to monitor states’ usage of these funds, and share information with advocates on ARRA funding opportunities.
Latest News and Information:
National Partnership Collaborating with the CDC to Aid in Policy Change
December 10, 2010
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has initiated funding for local health departments with stimulus dollars through the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) program. They are funding 52 communities to further their policy work in the areas of Tobacco and Obesity. The National Partnership has been contracted to provide technical assistance to the CPPW communities in the form of group training events, individualized consultation, peer learning opportunities and access to nationwide best practices that are customized for their unique situation. Read More