Belleville Gets Nearly $1M From NJ For ‘Safe Routes To School’

BELLEVILLE, NJ — Belleville will get nearly $1 million in funding from New Jersey through the state’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program, officials recently announced.

Since 2022, Belleville has received three grants to implement and support the SRTS program, town officials said: the first for $11,500, the second for $10,000, and the third for $962,000.

Federal funds were authorized for the third grant on July 10, which allows work to begin on ADA-compliant curb ramps and sidewalks, curb extensions, high visibility crosswalks, and enhanced school zone signage around every Belleville elementary school, Belleville Middle School and Belleville High School.

According to a township news release:

“Belleville has achieved seven gold-level SRTS recognition awards for its efforts to create safer pedestrian and bike access from local roads to Belleville Schools 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 and 10. In addition, Belleville Middle School is being recognized for again earning a gold-level recognition award. Gold is the state program’s highest ranking among the four levels, signifying a school or municipality’s progress toward implementing and sustaining SRTS programs.”

Schools and municipalities across New Jersey are nominated for recognition in the program based upon their SRTS accomplishments. Recognition is valid for three years. Schools and municipalities that have earned state SRTS recognition and are also enrolled in the Sustainable Jersey certification program can earn points for both programs.

Belleville Mayor Michael Melham said the improvements are a community effort, with Belleville police collecting traffic data to aid the campaign, and local schoolchildren creating “highly visible” murals at well-traveled intersections.

“Our team has been working on pedestrian safety and walkability, and our determination has paid off,” the mayor added.

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