Ulster County committee authorizes application for USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All planning grant

Ulster County’s planning staff won committee approval on June 3 to apply for a U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning grant worth up to $500,000.

The resolution authorizes the Department of Planning to submit the application. A staff summary read into the record said the grant would fund “a comprehensive road safety program that will allow the county and municipalities to be to be seek implementation funds to improve road safety for all users,” and noted a county share of roughly $100,000.

Committee members asked whether the grant targets a single project or a countywide plan. The staff summary said the award could fund one designated project or a countywide study and that the program does not stipulate a single approach. One legislator said they would “hold them to it” and asked the department to ensure the grant supports bicycle and pedestrian improvements where appropriate.

The committee moved and approved the resolution on a voice vote with members saying “Aye.” No roll call tally was recorded in the transcript.

Why it matters: SS4A planning grants can be a first step toward federal implementation funds for pedestrian, bicycle and roadway safety improvements; local match requirements and the choice of scope (single corridor vs. countywide) will shape future projects and municipal participation in implementation grants.