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City of Heath Receives $1 Million Grant for Safe Routes to School

The City of Heath is a recipient of more than $1 million in funding over four years to be used for infrastructure improvements that will make it safer for Heath children to walk or bike to school. The federal funding is awarded through the Texas Transportation Commission (TTC) for Safe Routes to School projects.

“We are thrilled to be a recipient of funding for our Safe Routes to School projects,” says City of Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe. “Over 280 project applications were received by the Texas Department of Transportation, and our community was extremely fortunate to receive 100 percent approval for the requested projects.”

A total of $1,034,383 was awarded to the City for four projects that include infrastructure improvements and trails around Cain Middle School and Amy Parks-Heath Elementary and Dorothy Pullen Elementary Schools. A small portion of the funding, $13,800, will be used to educate students, parents and drivers about safe travel.

"TxDOT reports that the number of children who walk and bike to school has declined significantly over the last 40 years,” says Mayor Ratcliffe. “The program goal of these projects will help our children and parents make healthier lifestyle choices that will have long-term positive impacts throughout our community."

When TxDOT announced the program availability, Rockwall County Commissioner Lorie Grinnan helped to bring the City of Heath, RISD and community members together to strategize, plan, and evaluate projects for submission. The City of Heath completed the process with the grant application preparation and submittal.

The trail projects in Heath will require preliminary work including right of way acquisition, engineering and utility relocation. An estimated start date will be determined upon the City’s receipt of formal correspondence from the TTC regarding project timing and funding arrangements specific to Heath and the award.

“We want to thank the many people in our community who supported the City’s efforts to apply for this grant, and we congratulate City staff in our Public Works Department including Lisa Palomba, who worked hard to prepare a very detailed and successful application,” said Mayor Ratcliffe.

Kim Dobbs
Assistant City Manager
City of Heath