Managing $2M Grant for Safer Streets and Roads

A Safe Streets for All Grant application was submitted in September 2022 and notice of the award came in February 2023.  The grant was primarily developed by the WC-CL RMA with technical support from the Laredo and Webb County MPO.

 The intent of the grant is to establish a comprehensive safety action plan with the goal of developing a holistic, well-defined strategy to prevent roadway fatalities and serious injuries within Webb County, Texas. This new safety action plan will afford the community an opportunity to balance all needs and transform its transportation grid. In tandem with a robust public engagement plan, the action plan will identify solutions ranging from safe access to transit, protected bicycle lanes, accessible all-ability sidewalks, and roadway safety countermeasures essential to ensuring future growth inclusive of all Laredo’s residents.  The Action Plan will expand upon previous plans, new research, and public input to develop a document that:

• Promotes safety
• Employs low-cost, high-impact strategies that can improve safety
• Ensures equitable investment in an underserved community
• Incorporates evidence-based safety countermeasures into projects and strategies;
• Aligns with United States Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) mission and priorities.

The grant application request to establish the safety action plan was $2,000,000 and the U.S. Department of Transportation Awarded $1,600,000, the fourth largest amount in the state of Texas.  The tasks associated consist of the following:

1. Project Management
2. Equitable Engagement and Collaboration
3. Data Collection
4. Policy and Process Changes
5. Equity Analysis
6. Strategy and Project Selections

The WC-CL RMA and the City of Laredo will be equally responsible for grant matching funds and the development, adoption and implementation of the safety action plan.  It is expected to be an 18-month process.  Grant plan development begins in the Fall of 2023 and will include:

1. 1. A Vision Zero Working Group and an Advisory Committee will be formed, including staff from the City and other agencies with decision-making authority to guide the plan ensuring it can be implemented.
   2. Data Collection from City departments, TxDOT, County, DPS, school districts, and other sources through the end of 2023.
   3. Public Commitment to Zero Fatalities by a certain year – Official Public Kick-Off meeting expected in February 2024.
   4. National Bike Month activities to promote the plan’s creation in May 2024.
   5. Local budgeting and Federal implementation grant application in Summer 2024.
   6. Celebration of Implementation Plan in October 2024.
   7. Final Plan submittal is expected in December 2024.
   8. Local budgeting and Federal implementation grant application anticipated for Summer 2025.