RANTOUL – State Senator Paul Faraci announced Rantoul has received a grant through the Safe Routes to School program to boost the health and safety of children by making walking, biking and rolling to school safer and more accessible.
“Encouraging students to walk and bike to school helps emphasize the importance of health, community and environmental stewardship for our youth, especially if they can gather in groups and make it a social experience with friends,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “I’m thrilled to see infrastructure funding coming to the 52nd District, supporting the safety of our students and the broader Rantoul community.”
Administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation using federal funds, Safe Routes to School supports projects and activities that improve safety and encourage active transportation options in areas around elementary, middle, and high schools. Improvements typically include new and upgraded sidewalks, efforts to reduce speeding and other traffic offenses, public education, and outreach programs.
In the district Faraci represents, Rantoul will receive $250,000 for improvements at JW Eater Junior High. The project involves a number of safety and accessibility upgrades to sidewalks and intersections adjacent to the school. To increase safety and encourage students to walk and bike to school, proposed improvements include replacing the existing sidewalks along Wabash Ave. and updating the intersection at Wabash Ave. and Marshall St.
“Safe Routes to School is another example of how IDOT is helping its local partners fulfill their vision for safety and mobility,” said IDOT Secretary Gia Biagi. “These projects will go a long way in making communities across the state convenient, safe places for everyone to walk, bike and roll.”
To view a complete list of awardees, click here. To learn more about the anticipated 2027 Safe Routes to School application period, click here.
