City of Clarkston is Awarded $1M Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Federal Grant to Create Safety Plans

PRESS RELEASE
City Manager’s Office
MEDIA CONTACT:
Tammi Saddler Jones, Interim City Manager
404-296-6489 (office) – tsjones@cityofclarkston.com
1055 Rowland St., Clarkston, GA 30021
www.clarkstonga.gov

City of Clarkston is Awarded $1M Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Federal Grant to
Create Safety Plans

(CITY OF CLARKSTON, GA – October 28, 2023) - The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) established the new Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) discretionary program, with $5 billion in appropriated funds over 5 years, 2022-2026. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The City will provide 20% in project matching funds for this $1M SS4A planning grant for a total action planning amount of $1.25M.

Pedestrian deaths are on the rise in Georgia and across the nation as transportation systems have emphasized fast-moving traffic over slower speeds that better protect pedestrians. Combined with larger cars and trucks and a lack of lighting and sidewalks, it has become a lethal mix for people who walk to get from point A to point B.

"Ensuring safe streets is not just about mobility. It's about fostering inclusivity and opportunity for all our residents. In Clarkston, where many rely on walking and cycling, we're committed to creating a city where everyone can move freely and safely. This $1 million grant for Comprehensive Safety Action Plans is a significant step towards making our streets a beacon of accessibility and unity for all," said Mayor Beverly Burks.

Clarkston’s success in receiving this grant was a community partnership. The City extends its thanks to Congressman Hank Johnson (GA-04), DeKalb County Commissioners Steve Bradshaw and Ted Terry, Kitti Murray with Refuge Coffee, Mary Helen O’Connor of Georgia State University, Superintendent J. Jack Johnson with the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, Executive Director Luay Sami with the Clarkston Community Center and Executive Director Roberta Malavenda with the Clarkston Development Foundation for their support of the project.

Interim City Manager, Tammi Saddler Jones, added that “the City of Clarkston Clarkton’s allocation of $1 Million was the largest SSA4 grant awarded within the state of Georgia. Our proposed plan will include public engagement components, equity considerations that are inclusive of the cultural diversity in the Clarkston community, assessment of policies and procedures, and transparency methods that will be implemented by the city throughout the Safety Action Plan development process.”

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3921 Church Street ♦ Clarkston, Georgia 30021 ♦ (404) 296-6489 ♦ Fax (404) 296-6480

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