🚗 The Gist: Milton has secured $1 million in federal funding to enhance road safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, marking a significant achievement in local infrastructure improvement.
🛣️ The Details: The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded Milton the grant as part of the nationwide Safe Streets and Roads for All program. This funding, the highest received by any Georgia government in this round, is part of an $817 million federal distribution. It aims to address key safety and accessibility issues across the city.
🌐 By The Numbers:
- $1 million: Amount awarded to Milton.
- $7.1 million: Total awarded in Georgia.
- 385: Total number of grants issued nationwide.
🔍 In Context: Milton’s grant application was supported by its Local Road Safety Plan, developed through comprehensive study and public input. The plan’s adoption in August 2022 played a crucial role in securing the grant. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law’s funding for local transportation improvements underpins the SS4A program. Milton’s application efforts began in September 2022, with a subsequent application in June 2023.
🛤️ Why It Matters: The grant enables Milton to implement vital safety measures without burdening local taxpayers. These improvements align with the city’s “Vision Zero” goal of eliminating traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities within a decade.
🤝 What You Can Do: Residents can stay informed about road safety initiatives and provide feedback on city infrastructure plans via the City of Milton’s official website.
📅 What’s Next?: Implementation of the grant will involve piloting traffic calming devices, enhancing accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and conducting road safety audits on Freemanvile and Hopewell roads. These efforts are crucial for achieving Milton’s long-term safety objectives.
💬 The Last Word: Public Works Director Sara Leaders emphasized, “This federal funding will help us make Milton more accessible and safer, in line with the views often expressed by citizens and City leaders. Our community also wins because we’re able to tackle these important initiatives while saving taxpayers money.”
Thom Chandler
Thom Chandler is the editor of The Georgia Sun and has been writing, editing and managing websites and blogs since 1995. He is a lifelong Georgian and one of those increasingly rare Atlanta natives.
