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On the Way High Demand for Bike/Walk Twin Cities Projects April 17, 2007. Transit for Livable Communities received 67 applications requesting a total of $28.5 million in grant funding under its federal pilot program, Bike/Walk Twin Cities. Applications were received for planning grants, livable streets projects, pedestrian districts, off-road trails, and other projects to make it easier and safer for people to walk and ride bicycles. Demand for the funding far outstrips the $7.3 million available in the first funding round. Bike/Walk Twin Cities is a four-year, $21.5 million pilot program, known nationally as the Non-Motorized Transportation Pilot Program (NTP). NTP was established by Congress to encourage bicycling and walking in four pilot locations around the country, including Minneapolis and its adjoining communities. Transit for Livable Communities was selected by Congress to administer the Minneapolis program and evaluate how investments in facilities, education, and information can increase rates of bicycling and walking and decrease driving. “We are really excited, although not surprised, to receive so many requests for funding,” says Lea Schuster, Executive Director at Transit for Livable Communities. “The strong demand for this funding really demonstrates that people want more opportunities to walk and bike. They understand that walking and bicycling are great ways to get around - healthier, less expensive, and good for the climate and the community.” A team of reviewers will score the grant applications over the next month. With advice from the scoring team, staff, and a community advisory committee, the Board of Directors for Transit for Livable Communities will select projects in early June 2007. Bike/Walk Twin Cities will have at least one additional funding round in the fall of 2007. Two projects already funded by Transit for Livable Communities through the Bike/Walk Twin Cities initiative will be launched this summer. In February 2007, the City of Minneapolis received two grants: a $200,000 award for bicycle parking that allows the city to install bicycle racks at schools, retail hubs, transit stops, and other activity centers; and a $150,000 award that will allow Minneapolis to develop the city’s first pedestrian plan. Questions about Bike/Walk Twin Cities can be directed to: Barb Thoman, Program Director
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