Safe Routes to School infrastructure grant round open; $200K–$2M projects due Nov. 18

The Cape Cod Commission announced that the Safe Routes to School infrastructure grant application opened Oct. 3, with applications due Friday, Nov. 18 and award decisions expected in January.

Miranda (program staff) said the infrastructure grants cover construction and capital improvements that increase safety and the number of children walking and biking to school; eligible projects must be within two miles of a K–12 school or campus, within the public right of way or on a bicycle/pedestrian pathway, primarily benefit students, and be ADA accessible. Project budgets range from roughly $200,000 to $2,000,000 across small, medium and large categories; federal funding covers 80% and MassDOT covers the remainder (no local match required). Miranda added high schools are eligible when partnered with a school that has been participating in the Safe Routes program for at least six months prior to application.

Non‑eligible items include recurring costs (staff time such as crossing guards), pavement maintenance, widening travel lanes that would harm pedestrian/cyclist safety, and school bus improvements. Applicants are encouraged to coordinate with municipal public works or engineering departments because MassDOT will be involved in construction reviews and approvals.