Create Complete Streets with Economic Stimulus Spending
by B' Spokes
This monthly newsletter issued by the National Complete Streets Coalition provides a roundup of news related to complete streets policies -- policies to ensure that the entire right of way is routinely designed and operated to enable safe access for all users. Please pass it around! And visit www.completestreets.org to stay informed.
Create Complete Streets with Economic Stimulus Spending
The recently passed American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) included $48 billion for transportation infrastructure investments. Of that $48 billion, more than $27.5 billion are in funding categories that make funds eligible for use in projects with complete streets elements, and another $3.8 billion are available for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
The ARRA funding should not be used to expand a system of roads that do not provide safe travel for people who are walking, bicycling, and taking public transportation along a corridor. Too many streets around the country are designed to be wide and fast, without sufficient sidewalks, crosswalks, safe bus facilities, or bicycle lanes.
Incomplete streets are dangerous and create barriers for people to get to jobs, school, the doctor, and fully participate in civic life. State and city governments should spend the stimulus money on infrastructure that serves all citizens safely and efficiently.
The National Complete Streets Coalition created a new repository of resources for communities interested in identifying opportunities for building complete streets with ARRA funding: www.completestreets.org/stimulus.html. Check in frequently, as it will be updated often with new information and materials.
