HomeMy WebLinkAbout(2)SAFE SCHOOL ROUTES PROGRAMForm 2084 (rev. 7/2002)
(GSD-EPC Word' 97)
Project Number:
(For TxDOT use only)
Date
Received:
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL PROGRAM
Apphcatmn- '
Read instructions carefully. Ail sections must be completed. Failure to provide required information will
disqualify the application.
Applicant (Political Subdivision) (required): Ci~ of Port A~hyr
(Preface with "Cit,j of' or ~County of')
Contact Person (required): Dale Watson, AICP
(Individual familiar with the project and who can answer questions.)
Title: Director of Planninq
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1089
City/State/Zip: Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
Daytime Phone: 409.983.8138
Sponsoring School District (required) Inolude all districts involved.:
Port Arthur Independent School Distdct / Tekoa Academy (Charter School)
School Name(s) (required) List all schools -- here or on an attached list -- directly involved with or
affected by the project -- no exceptions:
Franklin Elementary School; Wilson Middle School: DeQueen Elementary School: Edison Middle school:
Lee Elemei~a~ v School: Tekca Academy .-
TxDOT District: Beaumont
Bdef DeecHptlon of Propoeed Improvements (50 wo~s or fewer) (required): The ro'ect will consist
of the construction of 4.500 feet of new sidewalk and the reetacement of 11.700 feet. The sidewalks will
be on both sides of Mobile Ava near Franklin. Sfillwell Blvd, near Wilson, DeQueen near DeQueen an,;
7th Ave. near Edison and 140 feet at the Tekoa campus.
Detailed Location of Project (required) Provide street name(s) and additional project location
references. Attach map showing location of improvements and the school(s), indicate proximity of
proposed improvement to each affected school:
Tekoa Academy - construction of 1/2 block of new sidewalk on Fort Worth Ave. Franklin School -
construction of new sidewalk on campus adjacent to Thomas Blvd. and Atlanta Ave.; new sidewalk
10th Street from Atlanta to Auausta and the reolacement of sidewalk on Mobile Ave from 7th Street I,,
10th Street. Woodrow Wilson Middle School - Construction of new sidewalk on Gilham Circle
fTrh~q~, Blvd;.!o ,Sti!lwe. II. BIv. d and_alone both sides of Lakeshore Dr. and the reolacement of s dewalk
em ~nam g~rc~e to LaKesnore ur. Deoueen School - The rsolacement of sidewalk from Thomas Blvd.
!o P.r?cter Sb'eet and the construction of new sidewalk on the school campus and in Deoueen pad;
~,.~a~ed acre.ss Declueen Blvd. Edison Middle School - The construction of new sidewal,_k on the cameu~
onq 14th Street. 6th Ave and 12th Street and construction of sidewalk on 12th.Street
8th Ave., on 7th Ave. from 12th Street to Thomas Blvd and alone Thomas Blvd. ,ra]~ 5th Ave. to 9th Ave.
Lee Elementary - Construction of new sidewalk alon 12th Ave. from 7th to Delaware, aloncl 12th Ave.
from 7th to Delaware and on the Cam0us aloha Lee Ave and Delaware to Lewis Dr. (Exhibit "A")
Page 1 of 7 Updated 7/8/2002
TxDOT Form 2084 (rev, 7/2002) Applicant: City of Port Arthur
(GSD-EPC Worri 97)
Section 1: Project Cost Estimate
Include only the costs requested for this project. The "Federal Funds Requested" (Line 16) cannot
exceed $500,000.
Preliminary Engineering
Envirenmenta
.... · ............................................. 1. $ 5,000
PS&E .............................................................................................................. 2. $ 51,000
Right of Way ......................................................................................................... 3. $ 0
Construction
Construction .............
.................................... 4. $ 498,500
Construction Engineering ................................................................................ 5. $ 18,000
Mobilization & Barricades, Signs, Traffic Handling ........................................... 6. $ 20,000
Su'btotal (Add Lines 1 through 6) ................................... 7. $ 592,500
In-Kind Contributions (if applicable)
Note: All donations must be documented. Applicants may not donate contributions to themselves. This
means that an applicant may not perform required job services (i.e. preliminanJ engineering) or
use materials owned by the applicant and consider this an in-kind contribution. These types of
services or materials must be donated to the applicant from a soume uther than the applicant.
Real Property .................................................................................................. 8: $ 0
Materials ....................................................... . ............... 9. $ 0
Preliminary Engineering (limited to 10% of Line 12, Total Value of Project) ............. 10. $ 0
Total In-Kind Contributions (Add Lines 8 through 10) ........ : ......................... 11. $ 0
Total Value of Project (Line 7 + Line 11) ............................................................... 12. $ 592,500
Local Match (required)
Must be at least 20% of Line 12, Total Value of Project ($118,500) .................. 13. $ 118,500
Less total in-kind contributions (Line 11) .......................................................... 14. $ 0
Local Dollar Match (Line 13 less Line 14) ............... . ............. 15 $ ] 1R: thO
Federal Funds Requested (Line 12 less Line 13) --
cannot exceed 80% of Line 12 ($474,000) or $500,000, whichever is less ....... 16. $ 47~ 0,_~00
Note: Section 10 of this form, "Detailed Construction Costs," requires further details on the construction
costs. The amount shown for "Construction" (Line 4) on this estimate, above, should match the
total construction costs tallied in Section 10, or an explanation must be given for the discrepancy.
Section 2: Application Signature(s) (required)
An authorized representative of the applying political subdivision must sign the application. The
undersigned affirms that the statements contained in the application package are true and complete to
the best of the applicant, s knowledge. If portions of the improvements extend into areas where the
applicant has no jurisdictional authority, an authorized representative from the other political subdivision
must also sign the application. "Agency Official" means Director, Assistant Director, Executive Director,
Assistant Executive Director, or their respective designated administrators, engineers, or planners.
Political Subdivision Official:
Signature (req~red) " d' · ~
Steve Fitzqibbons
Name (required)
City Manaqer
Title (required)
12/05/02
Date (required)
409.983.8101
Phone Number (required)
Page 2 of 7 Updated 7/8/2002
TxDOT Form 2084 {rev. 7/2002)
(GSD-EPC Word 97)
Applicant: City of Port Arthur
The following sections of this application request specific project related information. Most request
narration related to a specific topic. Other sections contain questions that can simply be answered in the
space provided. Pictures, maps, exhibits, diagrams, survey summaries, petitions, etc. must be attached
to the apptiCation. If a section does not apply to the proposed project or if data is not available, simply
write "DNA" beneath the section number.
Section 3: Identification of Current and Proposed Walking and Bicycling Routes
to School
Identify current and potential walking and bicycling routes to school by providing a map(s) of the
area showing all existing and proposed routes. The map(s) should include all schools affected by
the improvement:
see attached Exhibit "B"
Provide the following information for each school affected by the proposed improvement: '
Same for each school YES NO
Does your project involve the improvement to an existing wa k ng route? ....................... [] []
Does your project involve the improvement of an existing bicycling route? ............ .......... [] []
Does your project involve the creation of a new walking route? ...................................... [] []
Does your project involve the creation of a new b cycling mute? .................................... [] []
Section 4: Identification and Demonstration of Needs and Safety Hazards
Describe the problem in detail. Include background information about the dsks children are exposed to
beCause of unsafe routes to the school(s) in the proposed project area. How and by whom have unsafe
routes been identified as a local problem by organizations and officials (e.g., councir or board resolution,
agency's plan, etc.)? Given that unsafe mutes may exist in numerous locations in your jurisdiction,
explain why the selected routes have been targeted for improvements. Describe the magnitude of the
risks facing children who walk or bicycle to schools. Identify documented safety hazards, through
quantitative data, within the proposed project limits. Include documentation to support the data provided
(copies of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident (MVTA) Reports, traffic volume counts, incident reports, trauma
data, etc.). ADT data should be provided for all roadways proposed for improvement within the project
rimits. This information can be obtained from the responsible entity maintaining the roadway. MVTA and
incident data should only be included if the event occurred in the area proposed for improvement.
Provide photographs as attachments to ilrustrate the problem or hazard:
The areas surroundinq the schools proposed for improvements with this qrant lack adequate sidewalks,
forcinq the students to walk or ride in the street. The hazards that this creates is evidenced by the hi~l!
number of motor vehicle traffic accidents involvinq pedestrians or bicyclists. The BeaumontJPort Arthb~
area has been determined to rank at the top of areas in the state for failin(~ to be oedestrian fdendly
accordinq to a study by the Surface Transportation Policy Proiect. (see attached Exhibit "C"). This study
also reported that Afdcan Americans and children face the hiqhest dsk as pedestrians. The OoDulation
the area proposed for these improvements is primarily minority.
A Comprehensive Hike and Bike Plan for the City of Port Arthur was prepared by Wilbur Smith and
Associates in 1990. This plan outlined a plan for improvinq the ability to walk and dde within the City.
On, e el,e, me.n! of th. is plan was to create a maior hike and bike lane down Thomas Blvd. The orooos~ I
s~aewa~Ks TaKe a(:vantaqe of this proiect (due to be constructed in early 2003) to improve safe access
the desiqnated schools. This area was chosen beCause of the existinq condition of the existinq sidewalk..;
and the need for additional sidewalks.
Page 3 of 7 Updated 7/8/200;[
TxDOT Form 2084 (rev, 7/2002) Applicant: City of Port Arthur
(GSD-EPC Word 97)
Check the categories that most closely reflect the primary need{s) your project is targeting:
[] Increas ng connectivity.
[] Separating children from motor vehicles.
[] Improving children's ability to cross streets.
[] Improving pedestrian pathways.
[] Improving bicycle pathways.
[] Improving visibility of motorists and children (by restricting obstacles, improving sight-lineS, etc.).
[] Improving slow or safe driving by motorists.
[] Other (please describe):
Provide the following data:
Roadway #1: see attached Exhibit "D"
Current ADT:
R6adway ~2:
Future (20 year) ADT:
Current ADT:
Roadway #3:
Future (20 year) ADT:
Current ADT: Future (20 year) ADT:
Pedestrian~ and pedaicyclist-involved MVTAs (Most Current 3 years available): 59 {2 years ont¥)
Exhibit "E"
Pedestrian- and pedal.cyclist-involved incidents (Trauma, School reports, etc.): not available
Note: Information on the number of students currently walking and bicycling to and from school is
shown in Section 6 below.
Section 5: Potential for Proposed Improvement to Correct or Improve the
Problem
Describe howthe proposed solution will address the identified need and safety hazards identified
in Section 4.
Use the following guidelines to provide a detailed description:
· How does the proposed project correct or improve the pedestrian/bicycle traffic safety at or near the
project site, especially in reducing child injuries and fatalities? Justify your response.
· Discuss how the proposed improvement is the best, most cost effective solution to the problem.
· Describe options or alternatives that were considered.
· If applicable, descdbe how the proposed solution improves traffic safety for other users of the facility
or system.
· if it will help describe and define the scope of the improvements, provide pictures, diagrams, exhibits,
or maps as attachments.
The proposed project provides the ability of children to walk to school and not havinq to walk in the street
as is currenti,y required. With the condition of any existinq sidewalks and the lack of sidewalks in many
areas, children have no option but to walk in the street. The proposed sidewalks will be utilized by thocn
children livinq within 2 miles of the schools, who are not eliqibie for bus transportation.
Section 6: Potential for Encouraging Increased Walking and Bicycling Among
Students
Answer the following questions for each school affected by the proposed improvement:
Page 4 of 7 Updated 7/8/2002
TxDOT Form 2084 (rev. 7/2002) Applicant: City of Port Arthur
(GSD-EPC Word 97)
School: see attached Exhibit "F"
Student Population:
Grade or age range of students at the school:
Number of Students who walk to school:
Number of Students who bike to school:
Number of Students who take a bus to school:
Number of Students driven to school with parents or others:
Number of cars used to ddve students to school:
Percentage of students living within 2 miles of school:
same for each school YES NO
Will the route improvements create shorter walking distances? ...................................... [] []
Will the improvements create shorter bicycling routes? .................................................. [] []
WiJl the improvements create more direct walking routes? ............................................. [] []
Will the improvements create more direct bicycling routes? ................................ i .......... [] []
Will the improvements improve connectivity of the routes? .......................................... :. [] []
Does this project affect pedestrian level of service? ....................................................... [] []
Does this project affect bicycle level of service? ............................................................ [] []
Will the improvements enable or encourage walking along the route(s) for other than
school trips? .............. ~ ................................................................................................... [] []
Will the improvements enable or encourage bicycling along the route(s) for other than
school trips? .................................................................................................................. [] []
Describe the benefits the proposed improvements will provide to students: provide accessibi{ty to
school bv walkina in safety
Attach any pictures, diagrams, exhibits, or maps that will help describe how the project will encourage
students to walk or bicycle to school.
Section 7: Support for the Project by the Community and Interested Parties
Provide information on the consultation and support for the project. List the participants and the
roles they played in the development of this proposal Identify organizations that pledged their support of
the project. Possible project partners may include school officials, local traffic engineers, law
enforcement agencies, public health agencies or organizations, school-based associations, local elected
0fficials, and other community groups.
Attach no more than one letter of support from each organization. Support letters should be addressed to
the political subdivision, not TxDOT. Include these letters as attachments to the application. Letters of
support submitted after published TxDOT submission deadline will not be accepted nor considered in the
project evaluation.
Do not submit or attach individual student survey sheets or petitions. Narratives and summaries of the
surveys or petitions are acceptable.
The Port Arthur Independent School Distdct and Tekoa Academy are very supportive of this ~roiect. Thr~
City Council has also passed a resolution concernino this eroiect and has authorized this application an, I
will provide the local match required. Lette~s'(J'f~upport from other interested parties and association~,~
are attached Exhibit "G".
Page 5 of 7 Updated 7/8/2002
TxDOT Form 2084 (rev. 7/2002) Applicant: City of Port Arthur
(GSD-EPC Word 97)
Section 8: Coordination with a Comprehensive Traffic Safety Plan
Describe how the proposed improvement was developed in coordination with an existing or
planned Safe Routes to School Plan or Transportation Improvement Plan.
This plan may be as simple as a page or two of policies and practices that identify an overall strategic
plan for general traffic safety improvements, or it can be a detailed master plan that proposes specific
improvements and prcgrams to enhance traffic safety for the school site or school district. A typical plan
would address engineering solutions, enforcement efforts, education programs, and encouragement
practices, or any combination thereof. Use the following questions and statements as a guide:
· Does a Safe Routes to School Plan exist for the schools in the project area? If yes, provide authoring
agency and year the plan was approved or implemented, Describe the plan's specific objectives as
they pertain to this project. Do not provide a copy of the plan if it exceeds two pages. Quotations
and excerpts from the document are acceptable. Provide the address where the document can be
viewed and a telephone number to call.
· List or describe any related policies, practices, or documents that demonstrate an overall strategic
plan for traffic safety improvements specifically targeted for the school site or school district.
A Safe Routes to School Plan does not exist for the schools in the Droiect area.
Section 9; Coordination with Other Activities
Describe how other funding sources will extend the benefits of the proposed project, Use the
following questions and statements as a guide:
· Have other funding sources been requested or secured from other agencies or grant providers (e.g.
public health, public safety, etc.) for related traffic improvements including, but not limited to,
education, enforcement, and engineering? If so, identify status, source, and amount of funds.
· Elaborate on how these other funding sources ara necessary to make the entire project a success.
· Attach any documents or exhibits that will help demonstrate efforts to leverage or coordinate other
funding sources.
The oroposed project will interface with a hike and bike trail aloncl Thomas Blvd. that has been funde, I
with transportation enhancement money. Total proiect cost is $135,000 (20% local)
Section 10: Detailed Construction Costs (required)
Identify the category (or categories) that contain descriptions of work included in the proposed
project. Provide details of the estimated costa associated with specific components, Example
detailed estimates are shown in the Chapter 2, Section 1 of the SRS Program Guidelines
Sidewalk Improvements
Includes new sidewalks, widened sidewalks, sidewalk gap closures, sidewark repairs, curb cuts for
ramps, and the construction of curb and gutters.
$498,500
Pedestrian/Bicycle Crossing Improvements
Includes new or upgraded traffic signals, crosswalks, median refuges, pavement markings, traffic
signs, pedestrian and/or bicycle over-crossings and under-crossings, flashing beacons, traffic signal
phasing extensions, bicycle-sensitive signal actuation devices, pedestrian activated signal upgrades,
and sight distance improvements.
On-Street Bicycle Facilities
Includes new or upgraded bike lanes, widening outside lanes and/or roadway shoulders, geometric
improvements, turning lanes, channel[zation and roadway realignment, traffic signs, and pavement
markings.
Page 6 of 7 Updated 7/8/2002
TxDOT Form 2084 (rev. 7/2002)
(GSD-EPC Word 9'0
Applicant: City of Port Arthur
Traffic Diversion Improvements
Includes improved pick-up/drop-off areas, separation of pedestrians and bicycles from vehicular
traffic adjacent to school facilities, and traffic diversion away from school zones or designated routes
to school.
Off-Street Bicycle/Pedestrian Facilities
Includes exclusive muttFuse bicycle and/or pedestrian trails and pathways.
Traffic Calming Measures for Off-System Roads
Includes roundabouts, traffic circles, curb extensions at intersections that reduce curb-to-curb
roadway travel widths, center islands, full and half-street closures, and other speed reduction
techniques.
Total Construction Costs
Add ali costs show~ above and write the total amount on this line. This amount should match the
"Construction" line item cost estimate shown in Section 1, Line 4 ($498,500). If the amounts do not
match, explain the discrepancy in this space.):
$498,500
Section '11: Compliance with TxDOT Design Standards (required)
Provide information on compliance of the proposed improvement with TxDOT requirements.
Typical cross sections or typical layouts depicting the proposed improvement must be attached to the
application:
See attached Exhibit "H"
Page 7 of 7 Updated 7/8/2002
Exhibit "A"
Z
Exhibit "B"
Z
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0~~
~0~
o~ ~
0 ~
u~
'~A¥
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Z
~ 0o
Z
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II
II
Exhibit "C"
Means Streets 2002
l:~cleslTial I:]EBI~I i nTelG~
Pedestrian fatalities in 2000: 420
Pedestrian fatalities in 2001:454
Total pedestrian fatalities: 874
Avg. annual pedestrian fatality
rate per 100,000 residents:
2.1
Percent of all traffic deaths that
were pedestrians: 11.9%
,~xn:ing(:f Fe:bll T~l:Ula's cn I:~ckslTia~ inT~
Total federal surface transportation funds
spent (1998-2001):
Portion of all federal transportation funds
spent on pedestrian/bicycle projects:
Average yearly amount spent per person on
pedestrian/bicycle facilities and safety:
$8,572,478,717
0.3%
$0.33
La~e
Metro
Area
pDT
Rank
Metro Ar~
Beaumont-Port Arthur~ TX MSA
Tyler, TX MSA
Longview-Marshall, TX MSA
Pedestrian Pedestrian Pedestrian
Danger fatalitie~ fatalities
Index (2000) (2001)
86.3 14 14
73.1 3 6
56.6 4 7
Percent of
all traffic
deaths that
p~d,~U
17.2%
8.6%
9.0%
Avg. yearly
amount spent
pedes~'ia n/
facilities and
$0.07
$0.28
$0.00
Victoria, TX MSA
HcAJle n-Edin bu rg-Missfon, TX
56.4 3 I 8.2%
$0.00
MSA
Amarillo, TX MSA
50.2 17 18 20,4%
49.4 5 4 12.9%
$0.33
$0.00
Odessa-Midland~ TX NSA
44.6 5 3
11.2%
16.0%
7 Houston-Galveston- Brazo ria, TX
CMSA
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX CMSA
42.3 94 113
40.8 100 105 15.5%
$0,00
$0.63
$0.13
35.7 20 14
24.2%
6.6%
33.6 I 3
$0.00
$0.00
$0.00
El Paso, TX MSA
Texarkana, TX-Texarkana, AR
MSA
...... Corpus Ch[ s~fifi, TX HSA_ __ 31.4 10 6 14.3%
22 San Antonio, TX HSA 27.2 36 30 17.7%
25 Austin-San Marcos, TX MSA 25.1 20 23 9.8%
$0.12
Exhibit "D"
City of Port Arthur, Texas
ADT ZNFORMATZON FOR
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS PROGRAM
December, 2002
LOCATION
Tekoa Academy:
On Thomas Boulevard .at AusUn Avenue
On Thomas Boulevard at Dallas Avenue
Franklin School:
On Thoma's Boulevard at Augusta Avenue
On Thomas Boulevard at Shreveport Avenue
Wilson School:
On Stilwell Boulevard at 10th Street
On Stilwell Boulevard at 5~ Street
On Procter Street at Stilwell Boulevard
On Lakeshore Drive at Stilwell Boulevard
DeQueen School:
On Thomas Boulevard at DeQueen Boulevard
On DeQueen Boulevard at Thomas Boulevard
On 7t~ Street at DeQueen Boulevard
On Procter Street at DeQueen
Edison School:
On Thomas Boulevard at 6t~ Avenue
On Gulfway Drive at 5t~ Avenue
On Gulfway Drive at 9th Avenue
On 9~ Avenue at Gulfway Drive
On 9~ Avenue at Thomas Boulevard
Lee School:
On Lewis Drive at Lee Avenue
On 12th Avenue at 7th Street
CURRENT
4200/3700
3710
4540
4220
4000
2460
1890/7000
2590/2730
1980/4670
2220
4420
9020
4890
16360
17050
10010
9450
9310
1410
FUTURE
5000/'1.110
445O
5450
5100
4800
2950
2270/8400
3100/3280
2380/5600
2660
5300
10820
5870
19630
20460
12010
11340
11170
1690
Exhibit "E"
MEMORANDUM
PORT ARTHUR POLICE DEPARTMENT
December 2, :2002
TO: Mr. Leslie McMahen, Director of Public Works
FROM: R. E. Williamson, Lieutenant~ Crime Analysis
[ ] For your information [ ] Please take appropriate action
[ ] For comment & recommendation [ ] Please prepare draft for my reply
[ ] File for future reference [ ] Please reply on my behalf
[ ] Please discuss with me [ ] Please return
P,]Z: Auto-Pedestrian Accident Information
I understand that you have need of auto-pedestrian accident figures for the past three
years, particularly those accidents that occurred south of Hwy 73. Prior to 2001, the
police department did not track accidents by type thus 2000 figures are regressed
estifiaates, however, they are accurate, based on regression of total accident data from
1993 to date. The same is true for 12th month projection for 2002.
Since 2000 figures are estimated, the locations do not appear on the attached map. The
map denotes Auto-pedestrian accidents for 2001 and 2002 to date.
Year
2000
2001
2002
Total
Auto-Peal Accidents In target Area
51 39
60' 45
5--2
163 123
For all three years, an average of 75% of all auto-pedestrian accidents took place inside
area targeted for improvements.
Thanks,
R. E. Williamson, Lieutenant
Administration Division
CC:CityManager
Do it Right! Do it Right Now!
Exhibit "F'
Schoo~ ~
Student Population: 160'
Grade or age range of students at the school: ~
Nu~mber of students who wall to school: 65
Number of students who bike to school: 10
Number of students who take the bus to school: 80
Number of students driven to school with parents or others: _5
Number of cars used to drive students to school: 3_
Percentage of students living within 2 miles of school: 50
School: ~
Student Population: ,420
Grade or age range of students at the school: Headstart and PK - 5th ~ade
Number of students who walk to school: 101
Number of students who bike to school: 50
Number of students who take the bus to school: 27
Number of students driven to school with parents or others: 242
Number of cars used to drive students to school: 191
Percentage of students living within 2 miles of school: 57
School: Edison
Student Population: 1215
Grade or age range of students at the school: 6th - 8t~ m'ade
Number if students who walk to school: 623
Number of students who bike to school: 26
Number of students who take the bus to school: 35._~5
Number of students driven to school with parents or others: 211
Number of cars used to dHve students to school: 199
Percentage of students living within 2 miles of school: 71
School: Franklin
Student Population: 90._~4
Grade or age range of students at the school: ~
Number .of students who walk to school: 226
Number of students who bike to school: _2
Number of students who take the bus to school: 360
Number of students driven to school with parents or others: 316
Number of cars used to drive students to school: 161
Percentage of students living within 2 miles of school: 60
School: Lee
Student Population: 834
Grade or age range of students at the school: PK - 5th grade
Number of students who walk to school: 492
Number of students who bike to school: 11
Number of students who take the bus to school: 11
Number of students driven to school with parents or others: 320
Number of cars used to drive students to school: 106
Percentage of students living within 2 miles of school: 82
School: Wilson
Student Population: 930
Grade or age range of students at the school: 6th - 8th erade
Number of students who walk to school: 287
Number of students who bike to school: 2_
Number of students who take the bus to school: .51
Number of students driven to s~:hool with parents or others: 228
Number of cars used to drive students to school:
Percentage of students living within 2 miles of school:
Exhibit "G"
December 5, 2002
Port Arthur Independent
School District
P. O. Box 1388
Port Arthur, TX 77641
Steve Fitzgibbons
City Manager
City of Port Arthur
P. O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, TX 77641
Dear Mr. Fitzgibbons:
As administrators of the Port Arthur Independent School district and citizens of Port Arthur, we are
eager to endorse and support the application of the City of Port Arthur for a Surface Transportation
Policy Project pedestrian safety grant. This school district educates 10,500 students - at least
80% of whom are from Iow-income families. More than 60% participate in the free or reduced-
price lunch program of the National School Lunch Program, and 82% of our student are classi-
fied as ethnic minorities. Our school district safety committee is well aware of the lack of side~
walks or cracked and crumbled condition of sidewalks in our community and the safety hazards those
conditions cause. We had already identified sidewalk repair and replacement as a major need.
Children who live within a two-mile radius of their schools, as most of our children do, are not
eli~ble for bus transportation to and from school. They must walk or ride their bicycles. An
adequate and properly maintained system of sidewalks would prevent falls and encourage our
children not to walk in the streets.
As persons who are responsible for children's safety, we were shocked to learn that the Beaumont-
Port Arthur area ranks first in the state on the Pedestrian Danger Index. A well-maintained
pedestrian walkway system would surely go a long way towards reducing our standing on that
undesirable index.
In summary, we in the Port Arthur Independent School District are both supportive of your application
for the pedestrian safety grant and willing to help facilitate its passage and implementation.
Sincerely,
Louis H. Re.ed, Jr., Ph.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Janet Cline, Director of Public Information &
Chairman, District Safety Committee
409/989-6222 FX 409/989-6229 email:www, paisd.org
Teh~phome (40~18~9-~444
December 5, 2002
Honorable Oscar OrUz
Mayor, Qb/Of Port Arthur
P,O~ BOX 1089
Port Arthur~ 'IX 77641-1089
Dear Mayor Ortiz:
oThe S?u~ East Texas Regional Planning Commission Hetropolltan Plan '
rganlzatlon (SETRPC MPO) supporos I~,~ r-,,, ^~ ,,..~ ._,.. , ' nlng
~ ,-.~ ~. ~urc ~rmur s application to
the Texas Department of Transportation for a grant under the Safe Routes to
School Program.
The safety of children walking or riding biCycles to school is of prime concern
to us all. The project proposed by the City to add or replace Sidewalks on and
around s~x schools in the older part of Port Arthur addresses some of the more
serious probJems of school access In fie City. The Beaumont/Port Arthur Area
was recen'dy shown to rank first In the state on He Pedestrian Danger Index.
This project will only begin to address the many deficiencies thai: currently
exist.
In summary, the SEKRPC MPO Is supportive of the (:::iq/of Port Arthur's
eppllcaUon for funding under the Safe Routes to .~hOOl Program end wilt
provide any assistance necessary for its Implementation.
Sincerely,
Bob Dickinson, Director
Transportation and
Environmental Resources
BD:kr
326 Thomas Blvd
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Phone: (409)982-5400
FAX: (409)982-8498
":Port ~t thur s ftrst andOn£~j Charter Sc[too{'
December 4, 2002
Steve Fitzgibbons, City Manager
City of Port Arthur
444 4th Street
Port Arthur, Texas 77640
Dear Sir,
Tekoa Academy of Accelerated Studies supports the City of Port Arthur's app cation for
the Safer Route to Schools Grant.
Tekoa currently serves 160 students, which are in grades PK - 8tho Approximately 50%
of these students ridethe bus. Of the other 50%, some are driven, but the majority of
these students walk to school. It would greatly help Tekoa if the sidewalks were
expanded. Representatives from Tekoa have had discussions with the city council
member that represents this district that the grant will add sidewalks, which will provide
a great deal of safety for students who walk to school.
Tekoa Academy of Accelerated Studies supports the City of Port Arthur's grant
application because it wilt not only provide safety to students who walk to Tekoa, but it
will also provide safety for all of the children who walk on Port Arthur sidewalks.
Thank you for considering our students in this application.
,~..rely, ·
Paula Richardson
CEO/Principal
Tekoa Academy of Accelerated Studies
Bridging The Gap In Education And Soaring Towards Academic Excellence]
12/05/2002
Dear Sirs:
My name fs Cheryl Edward,o, and l'rn a parent m:d grand-paren:t 0£sl :de7 :ts in PALSD.
i'am also a concemecl citizen in the safety of all children. I have revi :we.[ in depth wittt
Com'~cilman Ko~mle Lind. eh on the project fo:' our city entir't~ "SalS~ RmtteS To School."
.In appl2,Sn.g tbr this gr~,~.t, our City Leaders are ,,-[exxdng our stUdent!, sa.t:~t'/. I have ~een
Students personally walking within the traffic to avoid walking i~ r.:~ :d, l:'ash, kigh grass
and wee~s. Without sidewalks, it is very unsafe. Smdeuts from t~:h mentary {o
Secondacy schools have ro use walking as their trat~portation to ar~ *frem school £cr
Varies reasons.
I also ~erve i.n the cap aeffy of Port Arthur City Council PTA Presid ::~t, a id though. I am
net speal.dng for our PTAs' our minion statement says that we
safety of al! children. National and State PTAs have mppot'~ed an~i ~de,)ted many
Leg[sla'dve .,r. ssues on school safety. Help us do or* more thing fut 'e re:me of safety
'~$AFE ROUTES TO SCltOOLS"
Respectively Submitted,
l~,' _ .
Cheryl l~dwards
~. ~. ~o. 12012
A H~SOLUTZON AUTHOHIZZNQ THE CITY MANAGE~
TO APPLY TO TXDOT FOR SAFE HOUTES TO SCHOOL
PROGRAM FUNDS (R~QUESTED BY COUNCILMEMBEH
LINDEN)
WHEHEAS, the City has received information that there is
funds available for construction projects under the TXDOT Safe
Routes to School program; and
WHEREAS, this is a construction program administered by
TXDOT to increase the safety of the routes children walk or
ride to school~ and
WHEI~EAS, the Safe Routes
comprehensive program that looks
to School Program is a
at all aspects of children's
safety and security while on the way to school; and
WHEP~EAS, the City deems it in the best interest of the
citizens of the City of Port Arthur to authorize the City
Manager to apply for funding for Safe Routes to School,
described as attached in Exhibit ~A", subject to the
availability of funding for any matching funds requirements.
NOW THEI~EFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS:
Section 1.
Seotiom 2. That the
That the facts and opinions in the preamble
City Manager is herein authorized
to apply to TXDOT for funding under the Safe Routes To School
Program(SRS), as denoted in Exhibit "A".
Section 3. That a copy of the caption of this
~ Resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the City Council.
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this %3~ day of
$;q//~ , A.D., 2002, at a Regular Meeting of,the City
council of the City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following
Councilmembers~/~, ~2~, ~$, ,
NOES: ~.
ATTEST
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CITY ATTORNEY
APPROVED POR ADMINISTI~ATION=
APPROVF, D AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS=
DIP~CTOR OF FINANCE
EXHIBIT "A"
Giv[ng school chilc en 'che righ'l: o--f way in Tex si'
Cai! for projects l~ued August 2, 2002
Applications are due December 6, 20021
What is Safe Routes to School?
For a euick overview of the Safe Routes to School
program.
A~k youmelf these questions?
· Are there sidewalks for my childran?
· Are the intersections and crosswalks vv~[I
marked?
· Are the cars going slow en~Jgh?
~, Can I drop my child off without waiting in line?
The Texas Department of
Transportation official site for
Safe Routes to School is now
active.
If you answered "NOl" to any of these questions you
need to submit a Safe Ro~tes to School program
application. There are $3,000,0~0 available for
construction projects under the TxDOT Safe Routes
to School program. This funding is designed to help you fix the major safe[7 problems
with your children's school routes. But you must hurry, Tx[:)OT is on a very fast time line
for this first call for 1~3ject~
To get on t~e List for future notica~
Tae~.s for first call
Review any safety problems with your school routes
Consider the eliaible oroiects
Talk with yOur lSD/City/County traffic safety personnel
Downlcad the Ac)Dtication/Manuai/Evaluation (when they are available)
Get approval from CitylCounty
Submit an Appticatio~ (call Aug 2,' must be submitted by December 6, 2002)
~ont me I oven~ew J z)~oiects I trireme ] t ~cllc~t I rasps I ~ I FAQ t ~inks ~ s~e mae
Givincj school children the right in Te.x s!
SafeRoutesTexa$.org Ore.Jew
What Is Saf~ Routes to School?
Today. Safe Rc~utes to School (SRS) is a construction
program administered by TxDOT to increase the
safety of the routes your children walk or ride to
schcoL
However, you can make SRS a systematic
community-based effort to evaluate and implement
changes to transportation modes and facilities around
lOCal schools. Typically, the evaluation will look at all aspects of community safety and
security within a circle with a radius of tw~ miles centered on tl~ school. Steps to
Success.
Who gm Invoived?
~ ct ro osals_ for funding of facilities by
:TxDOT can only be submitted by a city or counbj.
Although any one of several envies can initiate a
project, a successful SRS project team will involve
students, parents, school administration, law
enforcement, traffic engineers and local governments
in the evaluation and planning stages. If you are with
an individual school or school district, contact your
city or county officials nowi They will have
engineering personnel who can help design and
develop your application
What klnde of projects am Included?
SRS is a comprehensive program that looks at all aspects of our chi~n's safety and
secudty while on the way to schc~ and employs the 4E elements (Engineering,
Education Enforcement, Encouragement) to create change. Recommendations may
include
· traffic calming,
· w-a~ldng busses,
· safety education,
· law enforcement,
· crossing g~ards,
· local ordinances
· safe houses,
· bike lanes,
· separating bus and automobile access, or
· pedestrian overpasses.
Link for a lis_t of the projects~ ava able for fundbg under the TxDOT SRS program, Not
every plan will result in spending money on facilities, ~ome may decide that the
roadways are safe enough and education, encouragement or enforcement is what is
SafeRoutesTexas. org- Overview Page 2 of 2
The evaluation and planning process can be as short as 6 months or may last up to 18
months.
· Changes in student and parent habits (enforcement and education) can begin
immediately.
· Crosswalk and roadway striping can normally be done within six months.
· Changes requiring construction of calming devices or readways typically take two
years or more to plan and execute.
This year, because it is the first time Safe Routes to School money has been available,
the t/me frame for planning has been compressed. Link to a flow chart of the pro~
2002 TxDOT call for $3 million in facilities construction ~.
How long does It last'?
This is not just a Band-Aid fix. SRS will be with your
school as long as the students. Actually, it is
important to institute SRS before finishing the design
of a new school. Traffic infrastructure !-.................a~___~ for 35 to
50 years. It is best to get it right from the beginning
instead of trying to retrofit safety measures.
Who pays for the changes?
Many of the changes are simple and can be funded through local safety funds. Additional
funds for major changes are available on a competitive basis through federal
Transportation Enhancement funds. Legislation supported by Texas Bicycle Coalition,
Texas Aescxfiatien of Health, PhysicaJ Education, Recreation and Dance and Texas
Medical Asaociation, among other, created a law that requires the Texas Department of
Transportation to create and administer a Safe Routes to School program. Currently
TxDOT has allocated approximately $3 million from Transportation Enhancement funds
to this effort.
How do we get ~arte~?
SRS is mostly common sense. It is being succesefully implemented in both European
and American dtise with striking results in injury and congestion reduction. The flint step
is to review the information available on this site. Pay particular attention to the Tool Kit
at this site.
front oaoe I ~t~pd~y I orotects I criteria !toolktt [ rn~p~ I ~ I 1~ I lj~ [ site mao
~o~esT~xa~.org - £~il$161e Pmj~:~ l?age IoI 3
Giving school children the right in Texas! ·
d~ th~h
What Projects are Eligible
for TxDOT Safe Routes to School Funding?
When la It going to happen?
Link for a current timeline.
Who may apply?
The proposed TxDOT rules say projects ~ll only be accepted
from political subdivisions. That means that sct'~ol
communities will have to work with the city or county to submit
a proposal to TxDOT. But many projects will be done locally
and will not require TxDOT funding.
How to submit a proposal
The proposal must be submitted to the Distdct Engineer in the
proper TxDOT District Office, using the application form
prescribed by the department and must be submitted within
the deadline. Applications and the rules for submission and
selection will be available at each district office and at the
division office in Austin and on this web site.
The following rules determine what projects can be submitted:
s Projects may be Iocat~l on- or off-system but must be located on public property
· Must be located within a two mite radius of a school
· Project cost will be limited (curmflfly to $500,000 but this may change with the call
in August)
· Projects can cover multiple school sites if s~milar work is performed at each site
· Local project funding match of 20% Is required unless the project is located on the
state highway system in which case TxDOT will provide the match
· A project on thestate highway system will not be eligible if the district finds that
the project interferes or disrupts any planned improvements er existing
infrastructure
There are six categories of projects that are eligible for funding under the Texas Safe
Routes to School program:
1. Sidewalk Improvements
2. Pedestrian/Bicycle Crossing improvements
3. On-Street Bicycle Facilities
4. Traffic Diversion Improvements
5. Off-Street Bicycle/Pedestrian improvements
6. Traffic CalminR Measures for Off-System Roads
Follow the links to review the items that are allov,~d under of these six categories.
Sidewalk Improvement~
· SafeRSutesTexas. org - Eligible Projects
New Sidewalks
Widened sidewalks
Sidewalk gap closures
Sidewalk mpaim
Curb cuts for ramps
Curbs and gutters
Return to top
PedmV~rlardBleycle Crossing Improvements
New or upgraded traffic signals
Crosswalks
Pavemark maddngs
Traffic signs
Pedestrian/bicycle over- and under.crossings
Flashing beacons
Traffic signal phasing extensions
Bicycle sensitive actuation devices
Pedestrian activated signal upgrades
Sight distance improvements
Return to top
On-Street Bicycle Facilities
New bicycle lanes
Upgraded bicycle lanes
Widened outside lanes
Widened roadway shoulders
Geometric improvements
Turning lar,~s
Traffic signs
Pavement markings
R__et__u_m to top
Traffic Dtvemion Improvements
Improved pick-up/drop-off areas
Separation of pedestrian/bicyclists from vehicular
traffic adjacent to school zones or designated routes
to a school
R~etum to top
Off-Street Bicycle/Pedestrian Improvenmnts
Exclusive multi-use bicycle or pedestrian trails and
pabhways
Return to tOD
Page 2 of 3
Click on piclum to see additional photos o~
$idew~tk Impm~mmt p~
Traffic Calming Measures for Off-System Roads
Roundabouts
$/L. fe_RoutesTexas.org - Eligible Projects
Curb extensions at intecsections
Center islands
Fuil and half street closures
Other speed reduction technklues
Return to too
~!gnt~aael~ew proec~__lc~teri~i~ook~t, lmep~14E~lFAQi n~l$itema~
Pase 3 of 3
Exhibit "H"
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS
SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS PROGRAM
DECEMBER, 2002
COST ESTIMATES
TEKOA ACADEMY
Remove trees as required
Clear & grub, excavate, install new
sidewalks, and dress-up
ADA ramps
0 EA (~ $ 300lEA $ 0
140 LF (~ $ 25lEE $ 3,500
~. ~ (~ $.800/EA ~ 1600
FRANKLIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Remove trees as required
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, install new sidewalks and
dress-up
ADA ramps
10 EA (~ $ 300lEA $ 3,000
3400 LF @ $ 25/LF $ 85,000
~1 EA $ 800lEA $16 800
~..~"~ ~.~:~~!~ ~ ..~--.~,..:~.~,.~-:::.....?.~..-,..~.~.~
Remove trees as required 2 EA {~ $ 300lEA $ 600
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, Install new sidewalks, and
dress-up 600 LF (~ $ 25/LF $ 15,000
ADA ramps 2 EA (~ $ 800/EA $ 1,600
WOODROW WILSON MIDDLE SCHOOl.
Remove trees as required
sidewalks, install new sidewalks, and
dress- up
ADA ramps
20 EA (~ $ 300/EA $ 6,000
590~0 LF@ $ 25/LF $147,500
,~8 EA ~ $ 800lEA ~; 30400
Remove trees as required 0 EA ~ $ 300lEA
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, install new sidewalks, and
dress-up 700 LF (~ $ 25/LF
ADA ramps 2 EA {~ $ 800/EA
$ 0
$ 17,500
$ 1,600
DEQUEEN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
~'..rria~ ~!~a
Remove trees as required
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, install new sidewalks, and
dress-up
ADA ramps
Remove trees as required 10
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, install new sidewsiks, and
dress-up 2300
ADA ramps 13
10 EA ~ $ 300lEA $ 3,000
3500 LF @ $ 25/LF $ 87,500
~ 20 EA ~ $ 800lEA ~
EA J~ $ 300 IFA $ 3,000
LF (~ $ 25 /LF $ 57,500
EA ~ $ 800 lEA $ 10,400
EDISON MIDDLE SCHOOL
Remove trees as required
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, install new sidewalks, and
dress-up
ADA ramps
Remove trees as required 2
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
Sidewalks, install new sidewalks, and
Dress-up 1800
ADA ramps 2
5 EA @ $ 300/EA $ 1,500
1600 LF @ $' 25/LF $ 40,000
,~2 EA @ $ 800lEA $ 1,600
EA (~ $ 300lEA $ 600
LF (~ $ 25/LF $ 45,000
EA (~ $ 800/EA $ 1,600
LEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Remove trees as required
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, install new sidewalks, and
dress-up
ADA ramps
Remove trees as required 10
Clean & grub, excavate, remove old
sidewalks, Install new sidewalks, and
dress-up 2100
ADA ramps 6
15 EA (~ $ 300lEA $ 4,500
1800 LF (~ $ 25/LF $ 45,000
7~EA (~ $ 800 lEA $ 5600
::. ~ : : :~,?~ ~:'.,'.~.:~;.~:;~'~.~:~i~::~:~:.~;-:.~:~L~:~:. :~::~.: :~i... ~-~:~:~;~::
................... ~ ............ ~ ....... ~ ... ~...
EA ~ $ 300 lEA $ 3,000
LF ~ $ 25 /LF $ 52,500
EA ~ $ 8O0 /FA $ 4,800
2
PROPOSED SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOLS PROGRAM
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS
DECEI~BER, 2002
J. J
PLAN VIEW
NO SCALE
CROSS-SECTION A-A
NO SCALE