Shelby lands $609,000 in Ohio funding
By David Jacobs
The Shelby community is the recipient of $609,000 in state government funding for its Safe Routes to School project, the Ohio Governor’s Office announced Tuesday.
Highlights, from the state, of the highly anticipated project that is the result of months of planning as part of a coordinated effort among Shelby municipal government, Shelby City Schools, Shelby police, community members including parents and students, and other stakeholders:
-- Installation of a sidewalk on Shelby Avenue from West Smiley Avenue to State Street and rapid flashing beacon on West Smiley Avenue at Post Street.
"This is the main crossing for school children," the Governor’s Office said in a statement.
A 2026 project is anticipated for Shelby, the only community in Richland County on the list of funding recipients announced Tuesday.
The city of Shelby is listed as sponsor of the project application.
Shelby City Council voted 5-0 on March 3 to authorize Mayor Steve Schag, acting as director of public service and safety, to apply for a Safe Routes to School infrastructure grant.
Some other details from the announcement:
-- The Shelby funds are among a $7.6 million investment in infrastructure and education to improve safety for K-12 students who walk or bike to school across Ohio.
-- A total of 24 projects across 12 counties were selected to receive funding through ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program.
-- This statewide initiative helps communities build and improve transportation infrastructure around schools like sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, and traffic-calming features.
“These are more than just transportation projects, they are investments in the health, safety, and future of our children,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “These funds will help ensure more Ohio students have safe, accessible options to get to school.”
This year’s funding supports a mix of infrastructure and non-infrastructure initiatives.
The 24 awarded projects include right-of-way acquisition, design, and construction between state fiscal years 2026 and 2028, as well as non-infrastructure activities like school travel plans, public education, and safety campaigns in fiscal year 2026.
Since its inception in 2005, ODOT’s Safe Routes to School program has awarded approximately $90 million to schools, municipalities, health districts, park districts, and non-profit organizations working to improve student safety and promote active transportation, the state said.
Check back for updates
