According to Elise Bremer-Nei, SRTS Coordinator for NJ Department of Transportation (DOT), 263 applications were received for Safe Routes to School funding this year (Fiscal Year 2008), slightly less than the number of applications received last fiscal year. The program received submissions from every county in New Jersey, with the highest numbers from Bergen, Middlesex, Monmouth and Camden.

 

Infrastructure requests included funding for new sidewalks, improved crosswalks, driver feedback signs, signals, traffic calming measures and new bike lanes and racks. Thirty-eight non-infrastructure applications were also received, and included proposals for walking school buses, safety curriculum and local SRTS coordinators.

 

Applicants requested $1.6 million for non-infrastructure and $42.9 million for infrastructure projects, for a combined total of $44.5 million. In FY 2007, applicants requested $75 million for 274 projects.

 

Unfortunately, the new online application system has been a challenge, says Ms. Bremer-Nei, both for those applying and administering the grant program. “Several applicants expressed difficulty navigating the system and had trouble uploading larger materials, like maps and spreadsheets.” In addition, program administrators at DOT were

unable to enter application scores online and had to continue using paper rating forms.

 

However, Ms. Bremer-Nei said that being able to review applications and attachments online was very helpful. Likewise, many applicants said they feel more comfortable with the process now, and appreciate the switch to an online system.

 

Ms. Bremer-Nei says that DOT is committed to improving the online system for future grant rounds. “It’s clear with the number of applicants requesting funding that SRTS programs are important across the State. DOT’s goal is to make the online system more user-friendly in order to simplify the grant process for both applicants and administrators.” Grant review is still underway, and applicants should expect to hear back in the coming months.

 

Overall, administrators have been extremely impressed with the quality of applications this year, particularly from many urban communities.