Background
The Safe Routes to School Prioritization Analysis document (Plan) is a tool which identifies priority sidewalk projects that would increase school walking routes in designated walk zones. It is a partnership between Pierce
County and school districts in the urban unincorporated areas of the County.
Planning and Public Works worked with the Pierce County Council, and the Bethel, Franklin Pierce, and Puyallup School Districts to develop the first edition of the Plan (2015). Key parts include:
- school districts' prioritized list of projects
- estimated project costs
- potential funding sources
- analysis of potential project barriers and risks (evaluation factors)
The Plan will guide future efforts such as grant applications for projects to improve school walking route facilities. The projects listed within the Plan are not currently funded for engineering or construction.
Through ongoing communication and a team approach, we can work to reduce risk to students as they travel to school. The benefits gained by students and Pierce County residents include:
- improved safety
- reduced congestion
- cleaner air
- healthier children
- overall reduced costs