Three Northern Minnesota communities will work with the state Department of Transportation to plan new ways to protect pedestrians and cyclists.
The city of Aitkin and Carlton and Clearwater counties were chosen for MnDOT's Active Transportation Planning Assistance program.
Funded by the Minnesota Legislature, the program offers an estimated $100,000 worth of technical assistance from a consultant to help with developing an action plan or demonstration project.
The communities do not receive money directly from MnDOT and are responsible for funding the implementation of their plans.
Carlton and Clearwater counties and the city of Aitkin were among nine communities selected for this round of the program. The others are Alpha, Benson, Mapleton, Parkers Prairie, Rochester and Minneapolis Public Health.
"Our Active Transportation Planning Assistance program helps cities, counties, and other eligible groups improve transportation safety, curb traffic, spur economic activity and increase Minnesotans' health and well-being," said MnDOT Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger in a news release. "The goal is to help more people safely walk and bicycle to destinations where they live, work and play."
