Bremen Better Hometown Manager Neile Chambers said the city has been approved to receive a “very generous grant” from the Georgia Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Program, designed to increase the number of children in grades K-8 who bicycle and walk to school.

Last summer, the grant proposal was submitted as a cooperative effort between Jones Elementary School and the city of Bremen. The grant will be funded by the DOT, along with the Coosa Valley Regional Development Authority, which provides various economic programs for counties in the West Georgia region. Chambers said they learned of their success on their grant proposal about a month ago, and while she is hesitant about quoting the amount they will receive, she did confirm several thousands of dollars would be contributed toward sidewalk improvements and the installation of sidewalks paths, signage and crosswalk stripping in designated areas.

She also noted the future installation of a much-needed traffic light at the intersection of Highway 27 and McPherson Street in downtown Bremen, which is a major intersection for school traffic that has been an ongoing hassle for travelers, according to Chambers.

“A tremendous amount of volunteer time has been, and will be, utilized for this project,” she added. “Putting the grant together included many people in city and school committees who decided that they wanted to apply for the grant. They took routes downtown to the school path to see how dangerous it was.”

Chambers explained the ultimate goals of the SRTS infrastructure projects in Bremen are to promote connectivity, walkability and sustainability within the city, particularly relating to the needs of students at Jones Elementary School, located just north of the city’s downtown area.

“The opportunity for instructors to have safe walkways to bring classes downtown for field trips involving history lessons and other great teaching opportunities was key in the grant application process,” Chambers said. “The city looks forward to hosting many such field trips, particularly with the launch of the Bremen Revitalization Plan, which includes opening an artisan market, business incubator and museums on the Safe Routes map. Bremen is rapidly moving forward with plans to recapture the great history of this remarkable city and make sure that future generations both understand and appreciate that past. The Safe Routes grant will help make this possible.”

According to reports from the state DOT board, the benefits of the SRTS program include reduced congestion and increased safety near participating schools, reduced air pollution en route to and near participating schools, along with increased physical activity for children.

Though Chambers didn’t pinpoint when the funds would be available, she’s excited about getting the nod for approval.

“I’m thrilled about it and for what it’s going to mean for foot traffic,” she shared. “The more folks we can bring safely to town, the better.”