Grant funds new sidewalks for schools

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Thousands of local school children will have a safer walk to school thanks to new grant money from the Texas Department of Transportation. The grants were awarded to six local districts including Elgin, Smithville, Johnson City, Austin, Georgetown, and Buda.

Fourth grader Mia Rodriguez rides the bus to Buda Elementary School because her mom is afraid for her to walk or ride her bike.

"Its really busy on the streets and today we had to walk to the library and there was a lot of cars going across the street," said Rodriguez.

There has always been a serious lack of sidewalks near the school, which is located in the old downtown district.

"There's no really safe way for kids to be able to walk to school," said Stanley Fees, Buda City Engineer.

Last year, the city applied for a 'Safe Routes to School' grant from the Texas Department of Transportation and city officials learned this week they would receive $500,000 to fund several projects around four area schools.

"It gives them a place to walk not in the street, not in the drainage ditches, as you know this is flash flood country, so it just makes it easier and safer for them to get to school," said Fees.

The money will go toward building new sidewalks around Buda, Tom Green and Elm Grove Elementaries. It will also allow the city to build crosswalks and bike lanes, along with a pedestrian bridge.

Maria Mendoza Rodriguez said she will reconsider allowing her daughter to walk to school after the new sidewalks go in.

"If there were more sidewalks, yes, and I think she would enjoy it- even ride her bike, as well," she said.

Mendoza Rodriguez, who is a school nurse, said it is also about more than just safety.

"We have a high rate of obesity and our kids basically stay indoors most of the time just because parents don't believe there are safe places for them to play or even ride their bike to school," she said.

City officials hope the construction will improve safety and encourage children to exercise.

Overall, the grants from the Texas Department of Transportation add up to $54 million in funding statewide.