The Virginia Department of Transportation will distribute almost $6 million dollars to 18 communities to make it safer for students to bike and walk to school.
The funding is part of the Safe Routes to School program.
“By providing these funds, as well as technical assistance to Virginia communities, we are helping to reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote other transportation choices," Gov. Bob McDonnell said in a press release. "We also are encouraging healthy habits that we hope will transform into healthy lifestyles as these children grow.”
Several northern Virginia communities will benefit from the program:
City of Alexandria - Matthew Maury Elementary School, Mount Vernon Combined School, William Ramsey Elementary School and James Polk Elementary School
Falls Church - Mt. Daniel Elementary School and Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School
City of Manassas Park - Manassas Park Middle School
Fairfax County - Terra Centre Elementary School
Fauquier County - Cedar Lee Middle School
Town of Vienna - Cunningham Park Elementary School
The money is to be used to construct or improve bicycling and pedestrian opportunities. All communities are eligible to apply for the state aid.