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A Guide to the Safe Streets for All (SS4A) Grant Program

In the pursuit of safer streets and highways, the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program stands as a beacon of hope. Established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this initiative earmarks a significant $5 billion over five years (2022-2026) to fortify roadway safety across the United States. The core mission? To prevent fatalities and injuries, to effectively safeguard every traveler’s journey.

Key Highlights

  1. Understanding SS4A: Empowering Communities
  2. The Road to Safety: How to Apply
  3. Planning Grants: Determining Your Vision
  4. Implementation Grants: Turning Vision into Reality
  5. Safety Action Plan (SAP): Your Blueprint to Success
  6. Meet GeoMate: Your Partner in Road Safety
  7. Act Fast: Funding Cycle Open Now
  8. Recap

Understanding SS4A: Empowering Communities

At its heart, SS4A is a lifeline for regional, local, and Tribal initiatives, injecting vital resources where they’re needed most. Just last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation released the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), and with over $3 billion still in the coffers, this program pledges support to those on the front lines of safety advocacy.

The Road to Safety: How to Apply

Eligibility extends to a spectrum of entities, including political subdivisions, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), and Tribal governments. These stakeholders are empowered to submit proposals under two distinct categories: Planning and Demonstration Grants or Implementation Grants.

Planning Grants: Determining Your Vision

A Planning Grant serves as the foundation for crafting a safety action plan, supported by supplementary and demonstration funding aimed at acquiring more data and optimizing strategies. Once established, planners can then turn their attention toward implementation to execute their SAP effectively.

Implementation Grants: Turning Vision into Reality

For those ready to turn plans into action, Implementation Grants offer the necessary financial muscle. These grants are earmarked for projects outlined in an SAP or similar plan adhering to SS4A standards. Robust applications, backed by comprehensive data and identified needs, are key to securing these grants.

Safety Action Plan (SAP): Your Blueprint to Success

A Safety Action Plan (SAP) is the cornerstone of effective road safety strategies. It outlines a municipality’s roadmap to reducing accidents and enhancing infrastructure. Under SS4A, a planning grant can kickstart the creation of this crucial document. Supplemental and demonstration funding further refines strategies, ensuring no stone is left unturned.

Meet GeoMate: Your Partner in Road Safety

In the quest for safer streets, data is king. This is where GeoMate comes in – your ally in harnessing the power of urban datasets. With a comprehensive suite of features ranging from road networks to cycle paths, GeoMate equips local governments with the tools to craft meaningful ‘Vision Zero‘ & other urban planning initiatives. GeoMate offers a wide array of datasets with 35+ features available. These datasets can include but are not limited to:

* Road Network Data: Stop lines, lane markers, road edges, road width, road markers, park lines, road slope

* Sidewalk Network Data: Sidewalk network, missing sidewalks, crosswalks, curb cuts, sidewalk width 

* Cycle Network Data: Sharrow bike lanes, protected bike lanes, paved shoulders, signed bike lanes, multi use trails

Act Fast: Funding Cycle Open Now

The clock is ticking, and the opportunity is ripe. The SS4A Grant Program funding cycle is currently open, with different deadlines for various grant types. Applicants are urged to review eligibility criteria and guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and submit their action plans for pre-application review before diving into Implementation Grants.

Recap

In the battle against road accidents, every initiative counts. With the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, communities have a powerful ally in their quest for safer movement. Whether crafting a Safety Action Plan or implementing transformative projects, SS4A stands ready to support those who dare to dream of safer streets for all. Take the first step today and pave the way for a safer tomorrow.

To get more information on the SS4A grant program and to learn more about how GeoMate can help, connect with one of our experts today. 

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