Jennifer Reyes/Eyewitness News
Indianapolis - Students will soon find it safer to walk or bike to school thanks to millions of dollars in state grants.
Hanna McCormick and her friends at Immaculate Heart of Mary School face crumbling sidewalks every day on their way to school, along with other dangers.
"The street between my street and their street, there are a ton of cars and there aren't any stop signs, and the terrain is pretty rough," she said.
On Thursday, the Indiana Department of Transportation announced the recipients of the state's Safe Routes to School Program. This year it gave out $3.4 million to 39 Indiana schools.
IPS #84 and Hanna McCormick's school, Immaculate Heart of Mary, are among the recipients of a $250,000 grant.
"The sidewalks have been a problem for years, so I think it's great they're finally fixing everything they need to fix," said Mary Klein, parent.
The school's primary focus was an area on 56th Street where there are no sidewalks. Now that the city is paying for the cost of sidewalks, the school can use the grant money for other projects, including stop signs, a bike rack and pedestrian countdowns.
Jasey McCormick,' Hanna's mother, is pleased to hear her daughter's walk will be safer.
"It's healthy. They get a little fresh air, they get a little exercise. It's a win-win," she said.
Indiana's Safe Routes to School Program will be available again in the spring. The money is awarded to Middle and Elementary Schools based on need, and community involvement is encouraged during the application process.
