BENNETTSVILLE — The city of Bennettsville announced exciting and welcoming news Tuesday; the U.S. Department of Transportation is awarding nearly $1 billion to cities as a component of its ongoing initiative to make roads safer for families across the nation.
The grant is part of a competitive program called Safe Streets and Roads for All, and is designed to reduce serious crashes and traffic fatalities. The funding is being awarded to 521 communities in total nationwide through the federal program. As a recipient, the City on the Move is being awarded $240,000 through the grant.
City officials say the grant will provide Bennettsville’s coffers with the necessary cash to upgrade road signage and damage caused by normal vehicle road wear and tears.
Upcoming projects now moving forward following the announcement of the grant include upgrading city street signs, improving road striping, upgrading street lighting, along with developing safe, well-lit sidewalks for pedestrians.
While funds have not yet been released, officials with the city of Bennettsville announced the awarding of this grant marks an integral benchmark in its ability to continue fostering safer transportation for city motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.
Recent traffic incidents on city roads involving death and serious injury have many in the community expressing a sense of relief upon hearing of the federally issued grant to improve transportation safety in their community.
The city is now awaiting guidance from the government on next steps for the issuance of the grant.