As reported in the Baltimore Sun, sidewalks and paths used by elementary and middle school students across Maryland will be upgraded with $3.4 million in federal grant funding, state officials announced Tuesday.  As described in the article,

The federal Transportation Alternatives Program funding will be administered by the State Highway Administration and used for 16 projects shortlisted under the state’s Safe Routes to School Program, officials said.

Grants under the program, which are awarded to local jurisdictions annually, are aimed at improving safety for young students who walk or bike to school. A total of 517 children under the age of 16 have been struck by cars in Maryland in the last five years, the state said, and about 100 people on average die each year in the state in pedestrian-related car accidents.

For more information, see the full story from the Baltimore Sun.