Tag Archive for 'funding'

Neighborhood pedestrian project funding

Many pedestrian improvement projects are funded through SDOT programs responsible for implementing the Pedestrian Master Plan. There is also funding available to the community for neighborhood improvements. As SDOT’s blog summarizes,

The Neighborhood Projects Fund, or NPF for short, offers up to $90,000 a year for small improvements. With NPF dollars, neighborhoods have been able to build short segments of new sidewalk, repair existing sidewalks, construct median islands and curb bulbs, and install new crosswalks. Applicants are encouraged to work with their neighbors and SDOT to develop proposals prior to participating in the NPF process. SDOT staff can guide applicants through the process, provide feedback about the feasibility of the project, and ensure that the scope of the project will not exceed the budget. Check out the NPF website for information about the process including helpful tips.

The Bridging the Gap Neighborhood Street Fund, or NSF, funds projects that cost more than $100,000 and less than $500,000. Typical NSF projects include large segments of new sidewalks, street repair, and traffic calming work. The Neighborhood Street Fund is a bi-annual grant that won’t be available again until 2013.

The Department of Neighborhood’s Neighborhood Matching Fund (NMF) finances a diverse range of projects from small street improvements to tree plantings. The NMF requires a community match in the form of volunteer labor, donated materials, professional services, or a monetary donation. Click here to get started.

Share

Mayor proposes additional funding for pedestrian projects

With the city facing a budget crisis, Mayor Mike McGinn has announced his budget, which includes quite a few cuts. The budget also includes additional funding for the pedestrian master plan, including more sidewalks, crosswalks, stairways, and pedestrian lighting. It also includes funding for more Summer Streets events.

Streets for All Seattle had been campaigning for more funding for the pedestrian master plan and it is no surprise that the mayor has supported that to an extent. However, in a year with service cuts, it may be hard to sell the city council and taxpayers on a budget that gives more money towards alternative transportation. PubliCola has additional coverage of these budget items here.

Share

Bill introduced to fund pedestrian improvements

A bill to fund a network of paths for pedestrians and bicyclists has been introduced in the US House of Representatives. H.R. 4722 would provide $2 billion in grants to improve walking routes across the country.

If you’re so inclined, Transportation for America is making it easy to contact your representatives to ask them to support this measure.

Share