The Massachusetts Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program promotes healthy alternatives for children and parents in their travel to and from school and educates students, parents and community members on the value of walking and bicycling. Because of Fall River's involvement with the program, the City was awarded a one-million dollar infrastructure grant to improve walkability around the Viveiros Elementary School in the City's South End. "Our goal is to use this grant to improve approximately one million dollars in infrastructure improvements that will help now to improve sidewalks, improve traffic lighting, improve signage, to make our ramps more handicap accessible, also markings on roadways," stated Mayor William Flanagan. Usually grants are given in amounts up to $500,000. "When we just recently heard that Fall River was going to be getting a million dollars, we were doubly pleased," said Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard. "Our children need to be more physically active so our children can come to school ready to learn," added Fall River Mass in Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly. The award was based on Fall River's excellent track record in getting every school to participate in both the Massachusetts Walk and Bike To School Day  and the International Walk to School Day, the only school district in the Commonwealth to do so.  Click here to see a 21-minute video of news event. Click here for the Herald News article about the announcement. For more information contact School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard at 774-319-0107 or Mass in Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly at 508-324-2405. 

(Top row) Fall River Mass in Motion Coordinator Julianne Kelly talks with the new Fall River School Physical Education Department Head, Brad Bustin, and City Engineer Byron Holmes as City Planner Elizabeth Dennehy talks with Health and Human Service Director Henry Vaillancourt, MD. (Middle row) Partners School Wellness Coordinator Marcia Picard and Mass in Motion Coordinator Julie Kelly speak after Mayor William Flanagan makes the announcement of the grant award. (Bottom row. left and right) Julie Kelly talks with Community Maintenance Director Kenneth Pacheco and Ms. Picard is interviewed by Herald News Reporter Kevin O'Connor. (Bottom row, center) Students gather outside the Viveiros Elementary School where the Safe Routes to School program will be implimented.

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