The City of Milpitas recently got awarded $2.9 million in federal grant money, to put toward pedestrian safety and car crash reduction near the city’s public schools.
The money will come in by way of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Grant Program, an aspect of President Joe Biden’s historic infrastructure bill. The program is centered on ensuring safety of movement for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists. This past May, the City of Milpitas filed its grant application, then later received word that the full amount requested will be awarded.
Certain Milpitas intersections have known safety issues, and the project shall target those foremost. This means upgrading intersections to enhance their signage and improve their overall visibility, while also ensuring safer foot and bike paths for students surrounding schools.
During a trip to Washington D.C. this past spring, Councilmember Hon Lien had met with various government offices and discovered that there were $12.2 billion dollars in funds allocated toward city infrastructure.
“Upon my return, I shared this knowledge with city staff. Staff hired a grant writer and we secured 2.9 million dollars. This is money that our residents will not have to pay,” shared Councilmember Lien with The Beat.
Said the City in a statement, “This comprehensive initiative aims to make school zones safer for students, parents, and community members.”
Milpitas City Manager Ned Thomas added, “This grant is a great win for the Milpitas community. It will allow us to make targeted improvements that directly address safety concerns at intersections near our schools, ultimately creating safer neighborhoods for students and residents alike.”
Toward the same end, other grant applications have been submitted by the City to other entities, both at the state and regional levels.
Said Public Works Director Christian Di Renzo in the statement, “This is just the beginning, and we look forward to further opportunities to enhance our Safe Routes to School program.”
Putting in some speed cameras would be more effective in holding bad actors accountable and generate revenue for the city. That money could go to “ensuring safety of movement for pedestrians, drivers, and cyclists.” Two birds with one stone.