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NASHVILLE (October 23) The town of
Huntingdon received a $250,000, 100 percent
grant to construct sidewalks, handicap
ramps, and street and creek crossings
leading to Huntingdon Primary School and
Huntingdon Middle School. The project is
expected to be complete by summer 2009.
The SRTS program is federally funded and
administered by Tennessee Department of
Transportation. The program is designed to
encourage communities to build, manage, and
maintain safe, non-motorized access to the
schools. The award provides funding for
11,000 linear feet of sidewalks and 19
handicap ramps. Sidewalks will be
constructed along the public right of way
and will be ADA compliant.
Currently, there are very few sidewalks
leading to the schools from the residential
neighborhoods. Approximately 500 students
(52 percent) reside within two miles of
either the Primary School or Middle School
and could easily walk or bike to school if
sidewalks were available.
Providing safe sidewalks, designated for
walking or biking to school, encourages more
physical exercise for the students and
reduces vehicle traffic on the streets and
school parking lots.
Mayor Dale Kelley expressed appreciation to
the following: Huntingdon Police Department,
Huntingdon Town Council, Huntingdon PTO,
Carroll County Health Department, Carroll
County Mayor Kenny McBride, Drs. Paul and
Pamela Evans, Carroll County Chamber of
Commerce, Blood, Sweat and Gears Bicycle
Club, and Huntingdon Special School District
for supporting the grant application. |
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