This contract expense is funded 100% by the California Department of Transportation funds for the Safe Routes to School project. No County funds required.

Through an Interdepartmental Agreement with Contra Costa Public Works Department, Contra Costa Health Services is implementing a 5 year grant from Caltrans to conduct educational and encouragement efforts that promote walking and biking to school and increase safety in school zones. This effort is now in its 3rd year. A component of the grant is to train resident "Champions" to conduct monthly walking and biking events at participating elementary and middle schools in the West Contra Costa Unified School District and to offer incentives to those who participate in trainings and events. Included in the grant budget is a line item for the gift card incentives at an amount of $8,500 over the remainder of the grant period.

If this contract is not approved, the funding would need to be reallocated within the project, community members would not be directly involved in implementation of the project, fewer walking and bicycling events would be conducted, and school buy-in would be lessened. These factors would compromise our ability to meet deliverables under Caltrans requirements, and the sustainability of activities would be negatively affected.

This program supports the following Board of Supervisors’ community outcomes: “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families”. Expected program outcomes include an increase in the number of trips to school that are made by walking or bicycling.