FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                Contact: Shalanda Cole

Jan. 5, 2009                                                                                           504.234.6261

The Department of Transportation and Development reminds schools, local governments and non-profit organizations that the Safe Routes To School Program opens its third funding cycle on Jan. 5, 2009.

The Safe Routes To School Program aims to improve the health of kids and the community by making walking and bicycling to school safer, easier and more enjoyable and is completely federally funded – requiring no organizational match. The program assesses the safety of school travel routes; makes changes to current conditions; educates students and drivers about safe travel; and encourages walking and biking to school.

For more information and to obtain an application visit the Safe Routes to School Web site at http://www.dotd.louisiana.gov/planning/highway_safety/safe_routes/. 

The deadline to submit applications is March 2, 2009. Interested organizations should submit an application to Shalanda Cole, Safe Routes To School Program Coordinator, DOTD, P.O. Box 94245, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-9245.

For more information about the program, e-mail Shalanda Cole at shalandacole@dotd.la.gov or call 504-234-6261.

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www.dotd.la.gov