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

The Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) offers the Safe Routes to School (SRTS) Planning and Programming (P&P) Grants to support the creation of strategic plans that enhance safe, active transportation for K–12 students. These grants are part of Kansas' effort to boost community health and mobility through increased walking, biking, and rolling to school. The SRTS initiative is a part of KDOT’s broader Active Transportation Enhancement program and is funded at the state level, though it aligns with federal policy objectives under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL). The purpose of the P&P grants is to provide technical assistance and planning support to communities seeking to identify and implement infrastructure and non-infrastructure solutions. Grantees collaborate with KDOT and a designated consulting team to complete an SRTS Plan. These plans analyze current conditions, document public outreach, and present actionable recommendations to improve student mobility. Each plan serves as a foundational tool to pursue future infrastructure funding and guide school- and community-led efforts for transportation safety. Eligible applicants include school districts and local governments within Kansas. The application must reflect partnership between both entities and can include up to eight schools from a single district, including elementary, middle, and high schools. Applications require basic details such as a primary point of contact, justification for the plan, list of proposed SRTS team members, and information about each participating school. Applications for the 2025–2026 cycle are due by 5:00 p.m. on May 2, 2025, and must be submitted online through the official KDOT website (saferoutes.ksdot.gov). There is no pre-application deadline or letter of intent required. After award notification, the planning process spans approximately eight months, from late August to late April. Selected communities are expected to commit to active participation, including attending meetings, supporting surveys and workshops, and collaborating to define and prioritize local strategies. The grant does not provide direct monetary awards to recipients. Instead, it funds planning services through KDOT and its consultants. Although the documents do not specify matching fund requirements or the number of awards, past recipient lists show multiple awards granted annually. The program is recurring, with the next round of applications anticipated in April 2026. For more information, applicants are encouraged to contact Ann Katt, KDOT’s Safe Routes to School Coordinator, at ann.katt@ks.gov or by phone at (785) 296-3873 (office) or (785) 220-0413 (cell). Additional resources, including example plans, webinars, and a grant overview, are available through the KDOT SRTS website.

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