SPRINGFIELD, IL –Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline) is proud to announce that the Governor's Office has finally released funding dollars for the "Safe Routes to School" program.

Illinois Safe Routes to School is a program of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration. The program is designed to enable and encourage children, including those with disabilities to walk and bicycle to school and encourage a healthy lifestyle from an early age. The program also facilitates projects and activities that will improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption, and air pollution in the vicinity of primary and middle schools.

Projects that have been funded for the 36th Legislative District include:

• Eagle Ridge School in Silvis will receive $107,601 to build off-road walking/bicycling path in addition to a walk through plan for Loma Linda and Mansur Woods

• Ridgewood Elementary School in East Moline will receive $4,200 utilize speed feedback trailers or portable signs

• Start a Walking School Bus program in East Moline will receive $2,100

• East Moline will also receive $2,000 to help expanding and improving their existing Safe Routes to School plan

• East Moline will receive $20,766 designated for use to construct, replace, or repair sidewalks and an additional $101,420 to install traffic lights or signs

• Redesign pick-up and drop-off procedures to increase safety and access $36,100 at Francis Willard Elementary School

• Rock Island will also receive $103,742 to create on-road bicycle lanes