Safe Routes to School Pilot Planning & Programming (P&P) Grants

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) administers the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planning and Programming Grants to support local communities in developing and implementing initiatives that encourage active transportation among students. The program is rooted in the broader Safe Routes to School national movement, aiming to make walking, biking, and rolling to school safer and more accessible for children. The Planning and Programming (P&P) grants are part of KDOT’s commitment to fostering community-wide engagement and sustainable improvements in student transportation behavior. The SRTS Planning Grant is designed to help Kansas communities develop formal SRTS Plans. These plans are comprehensive strategies that address walking and biking routes to school, identify safety concerns, and build momentum around active transportation initiatives. Grant recipients are provided with technical assistance rather than direct financial disbursement, supporting the community in mapping out realistic, actionable steps to improve active transportation. The plans serve as a foundation for future funding requests for infrastructure improvements and related programming. In contrast, the SRTS Programming Grant focuses on non-infrastructure implementations aligned with an existing SRTS Plan. These can include education programs about pedestrian and bike safety, community events such as “walking school buses,” and enforcement-related activities that improve the safety of school travel. These grants provide direct funding to communities to act on the priorities identified in their SRTS Plans. The Programming Grants support the operational side of SRTS, turning planning into action. To apply, communities generally consist of collaborations between local governments and school districts. This partnership is essential for both grant types, ensuring that strategies are both practical and supported by the necessary governing bodies. The next opportunity to apply for P&P Grants will open on April 1, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to sign up for an informational webinar scheduled for the same day to better understand the process, requirements, and scope of the grants. Application materials include the community’s current or prospective SRTS Plan and proposed non-infrastructure strategies for implementation. The grants are available to Kansas-based entities only. Previous recipients include cities, school districts, and nonprofit educational organizations. Awardees have included municipalities such as Emporia, Belle Plaine, and Silver Lake, as well as school systems and community-based groups. The program demonstrates a commitment to both urban and rural areas, with recipients spread throughout the state. The SRTS program is part of a broader network of active transportation funding supported by KDOT, which also administers the federally funded Transportation Alternatives Program for infrastructure-related improvements. Those interested in broader opportunities, such as pedestrian infrastructure or trail conversions, are encouraged to explore these additional options. For support during the application process or more information about the grant, applicants can contact Ann Katt, KDOT’s SRTS Coordinator, via email at ann.katt@ks.gov or by phone at (785) 296-3873 (office) or (785) 220-0413 (cell).

Applicants should show community buy-in and commitment to implementation. Provide clear school info and local team participation.