By 1808Delaware
At its regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, the Powell City Council will consider a decisive step toward a safer, more accessible future by considering Resolution 2025-15, authorizing the city to pursue a federal transportation grant. The grant, if awarded, would fund the development of a Comprehensive Traffic Safety Action Plan—a critical component of the city’s broader Comprehensive Plan.
City Manager Andy White a report highlighting its alignment with local infrastructure goals and national safety initiatives.
Targeting Safety Through the SS4A Program
The resolution would enable the City Manager to apply for funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Created under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the SS4A program allocates $5 billion over five years to help local communities prevent roadway deaths and injuries through strategic planning and implementation.
Powell is considering a Planning and Demonstration Grant, designed to help communities craft comprehensive safety action plans. These plans identify high-risk areas, guide infrastructure decisions, and improve mobility and accessibility for all users—drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, and more.
Building on Powell’s Vision for a Safer City
If awarded, the grant would support a city-wide action plan focused on key issues such as:
- Traffic safety and crash prevention
- Accessibility and mobility improvements
- Better connectivity through shared-use paths
- “Complete Streets” integration—designing roads for all users
- Downtown walkability and parking enhancements
The action plan would also be coordinated with Powell’s Shared-Use Path Masterplan, ensuring a cohesive and community-focused strategy to support both safety and growth.
Learning From the Past, Looking Ahead
Although Powell’s 2024 application to the SS4A program was not selected, the city received encouraging feedback from federal officials. Staff used that insight to strengthen this year’s submission, especially as more funding is anticipated for planning grants in 2025.
Supporting Council’s Long-Term Goals
The resolution also supports broader Council priorities, including:
- Reducing traffic congestion
- Enhancing downtown access and amenities
- Promoting sustainability and public health
- Supporting economic development and quality of life
As the city continues to evolve, initiatives like this reflect Powell’s focus on building a future where mobility, safety, and community well-being are at the forefront.
