News From

State Representative Ron Stephens

For Immediate Release: March 6, 2008

Contact: Rep. Stephens

618-651-0405

102^nd District receives over $28,000 in Safe Route to School grants

Springfield….Representative Ron Stephens (R-Highland) is proud to announce that his district will receive over $28,000 in grants from the Illinois Department of Transportation through the Safe Routes to School program.

“I am thrilled that towns in our area will be able to benefit from these grants,” Rep. Stephens said. “These grants will help to ensure our children are not only safe while at school, but more importantly, safe when traveling to and from school.”

Brownstown will receive a grant totaling $10,402 from IDOT. This grant is designated for making existing walkways accessible for disabled students. Brownstown will be able to construct ramps on various sidewalks that have high curbs.

Marine has been awarded two grants, totaling $3,650. One grant for $500 will be used to conduct a study among parents in the community, measuring and gauging their perception of safety. Utilizing the information gathered, school district officials will be able to determine what future projects they should consider implementing to ensure the safety of their students. Marine’s other grant, which is for $3,150, has been designated to create a crossing guard training program.

Highland and Altamont also received grants, which will be used to cover the costs associated with having and maintaining a speed feedback trailer. The trailers will be placed along busy routes that lead to the schools, letting drivers know how fast they are travelling in areas where children might be walking. Altamont received $7,590, while Highland’s grant totaled $7,000.

“We should do our best to make sure the educational experience is the greatest it can be for our children. With these grants, school officials can worry less about their students’ safety, allowing them to concentrate more on educating them for the future,” Rep. Stephens said.

####