State Representative Ryan Spain congratulated Bureau Valley North Elementary School and the Village of Walnut on their successful Safe Routes to School Grant application in the most recent cycle, according to a May 13 statement.
The grant awarded $62,900 for new sidewalk construction. The project will connect two currently separated sidewalks or bike paths in the village of Walnut, Illinois. This funding is intended to improve pedestrian infrastructure near schools.
The Safe Routes to School program is administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation using federal funds. The program supports projects and activities that aim to improve safety and encourage active transportation options around elementary, middle, and high schools. Improvements often include new or upgraded sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, as well as public education and outreach programs.
Spain said he was pleased with the outcome for his district. Spain, a Republican, was elected to the Illinois State House in 2017 to represent the state’s 73rd House District, replacing previous state representative David R. Leitch,according to Wikipedia.
Supporters say that connecting existing sidewalks can help students travel more safely between home and school while encouraging walking or biking.
