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<p style="font-weight:bold; display: inline; line-height:150%; font-size: 115%;">P.O. BOX 6015 <br />COLUMBIA, MO 65205</p></div>
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<p style="font-size: 150%; font-weight: bold;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</p>
<p style="font-size: 120%; margin-top: -5px; font-weight:bold;">March 7, 2023</p>
<p style="float:right; font-weight:bold; margin-bottom: 25px; font-size: 100%; text-align:right;">CONTACT: John Ogan
<br />Public Information Specialist
<br />Public Works
<br />City of Columbia
<br />John.Ogan@CoMo.gov
<br />573.239.1837
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<br />Krista-Shouse Jones
<br />Vision Zero Coordinator
<br />Public Works
<br />City of Columbia
<br />Krista.Shouse-Jones@CoMo.gov
<br />573.817.6446</p>
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<div style="font-size: 110%; line-height:150%;"><h1 style="clear:both; margin-top: 75px; margin-bottom: 10px; font-weight: bold; font-size: 130%;">City of Columbia to use Safe Streets and Roads for All grant to pursue traffic safety improvements</h1>
<div class="content"><span style="padding-left: 50px;">(COLUMBIA, MO)</span> - On Feb. 1, the US Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that the City of Columbia would receive $1,440,000 in Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants to fund planning studies related to improving road safety.<br /><br />Projects this year's SS4A award is expected to help fund are:<br /><br />
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<li><strong>A Highway Safety Manual-based analysis of current CATSO projects.</strong> CATSO, the Columbia Area Transportation Study Organization, is responsible for coordinating a transportation plan for the Columbia area. The current CATSO Transportation Plan covers improving safety as it pertains to roadways, public transit, people walking, people biking and many other means of travel. The Highway Safety Manual (HSM) would be used to review locations throughout the City in an effort to reduce crashes.</li>
<li><strong>A High-Injury Network analysis update.</strong> A High-Injury Network (HIN) is a group of streets with a relatively high number of serious crashes. The HIN will be used to identify locations where the Safe Systems Approach can have the most impact in improving safety at high-crash locations.</li>
<li><strong>A review of Columbia's Complete Streets policy.</strong> A Complete Streets policy helps a community plan and maintain streets to make them safe for users of all ages and abilities. A consultant will be hired to review our current policies, gather input from the community and then update those policies. This will ensure we are providing the best facilities possible for everyone to move safely about the city, regardless of how they travel.</li>
<li><strong>A study of leading pedestrian intervals.</strong> A leading pedestrian interval (LPI) allows pedestrians to enter a crosswalk 3-7 seconds before vehicles are given a green indication. Some studies show pedestrians at LPI signals can be more visible and safe. This study will consider setting LPI guidelines for the City.</li>
<li><strong>A transit route study.</strong> Go COMO, Columbia's transit system, is preparing to undergo a transit study to evaluate different ways to increase ridership and reach staffing levels that support stable and expanding bus service.</li>
<li><strong>The creation of a pedestrian level of comfort map.</strong> A pedestrian level of comfort map for Columbia would allow community members to compare the ease of using various sidewalks, street crossings and trails in the City. The map will provide information on which paths best serve the needs of pedestrians and can also assist with future pedestrian improvements.</li>
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The City of Columbia was one of 473 communities nationwide to receive a SS4A grant. These federal funds require a local match of 20% of the combined total, meaning the City will provide $360,000 for a total of $1,800,000. This funding will allow the City to use a smaller amount of local funds to achieve more than we would be able to accomplish otherwise.<br /><br />For additional information about the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program, please visit <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/grants/SS4A">transportation.gov/grants/SS4A</a>. More information about methods of reducing roadway fatalities can be found on the USDOT website at <a href="https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures">highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures</a>. <br /><br />More information can also be found on the City of Columbia Vision Zero page at <a href="https://www.como.gov/public-works/vision-zero/">CoMo.gov/public-works/vision-zero/</a>.</div>
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<div style="margin-top: 15px; margin-bottom: 20px; text-align:center;"><p>City of Columbia Vision<br>
<em>Columbia is the best place for everyone to live, work, learn and play.</em></p>
<p>City of Columbia Mission<br>
<em>To serve the public equitably through democratic, transparent and efficient government.</em></p>
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<p style="text-align:center;">-30-</p>
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