(AUSTIN) -- Senator Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, announced today (Wednesday) that the City of Gregory's Stephen F. Austin Elementary and Ingleside ISD will receive $1,159,400 through the Safe Routes to School Program, which is administered by the Texas Department of Transportation. Stephen F. Austin Elementary in the City of Gregory was awarded $580,000 and Ingleside ISD $579,400 for building sidewalks that surround their respective campuses.

"I am delighted that Stephen F. Austin Elementary in the City of Gregory and Ingleside ISD will receive these important grants that not only will help schools maintain safety standards, but also help students maintain healthy lifestyles," Senator Zaffirini said. "I also am proud of the other deserving academic institutions that demonstrated a strong commitment to educational excellence and improving school-area infrastructure."

The Safe Routes to School program enables and encourages children, including those with disabilities, to walk and ride bicycles to school and helps make these activities safer and more appealing. Its projects and activities improve safety and reduce traffic, fuel consumption and air pollution in the vicinity of primary and middle schools (grades K-8). Communities also can use the funds to address hazards and slow traffic on roads that serve schools and to build pathways, bike lanes and sidewalks near schools.

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