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Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

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Power to the Pedal

The Regional Transportation Council (RTC) has approved $55 million in federal funding for construction of 13 active transportation projects in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Tarrant counties. A combined $8 million in matching funds brings the total investment in the region's bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure to $63 million as part of the 2022 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program call for projects. The resulting enhancements will improve safety and access to schools and major employment centers, connecting those that choose active modes of transportation such as walking and bicycling in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The money will also improve safety and comfort, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Some of the 13 projects funded include critical trail bridges for the planned Cotton Belt Trail in Plano ($14 million) and Addison ($12 million) being implemented alongside the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Silver Line commuter rail line from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport to Plano. The Rowlett Creek Trail, in Allen, ($3 million) and the Iron Horse Trail, in Frisco, ($4 million) will fill in critical gaps in the regional trail network in Collin County and connect neighboring cities.

Transportation safety is a major focus for the North Central Texas Council of Governments to significantly reduce traffic-related serious injuries and fatalities throughout the region. Approximately $3 million in funding was awarded to Safe Routes to School sidewalk projects located in Fort Worth (A.V. Cato and A.M. Pate Elementary schools) and North Richland Hills (Smithfield Middle School). These projects will facilitate safe travel for children accessing schools in disadvantaged communities.

In addition, more than $3.3 million in federal funds will fill sidewalk gaps surrounding the downtown Garland DART station and will improve safe pedestrian access to the rail station. Funding was also awarded to Fort Worth ($2 million) to implement safety improvements along Oakland Boulevard/Miller Avenue. This corridor was identified by the city of Fort Worth in a safety plan as having a high number of crashes for bicyclists and pedestrians.

For more information, visit nctcog.org/2022_TACFP.