MORPC Awarded $200,000 for Comprehensive Safety Action Planning in Rural Communities

U.S. Department of Transportation Awards Grant as Part of the Safer Streets for All Program

The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) as part of the Safer Streets for All (SS4A) program to develop a comprehensive safety action plan. The grant was one of 14 totaling $15,414,000 across Ohio.

MORPC applied for Safe Streets for All funds on behalf of the seven rural county members of the Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) including Fairfield, Knox, Madison, Marion, Morrow, Pickaway, and Union counties. The $200,000 will be utilized to develop a comprehensive safety action plan for CORPO members. Once the action plan is completed, CORPO jurisdictions will be eligible to apply for future SS4A grant cycles to implement identified projects.

This grant will allow MORPC staff to further the work of CORPO, which provides transportation planning services to rural members. An adopted goal of CORPO is to provide a Safe Transportation System for All Users.

"MORPC is committed to creating safer corridors for all when planning and building transportation for the future. Many of our rural partners are impacted now more than ever as Central Ohio prepares for both population growth and new and expanded economic development projects."

The Central Ohio region has seen an increase in accidents in recent years with 228 fatalities and 1,484 serious injuries reported in 2020. Prior to 2020, serious injuries had been decreasing nearly every year. And while driving was markedly down in 2020 due to the pandemic, a report for that year found a surprising and alarming statistic: traffic deaths had risen.

The National Safety Council (NSC) said deaths from motor vehicles rose 8 percent that year, with as many as 42,060 people dying in vehicle crashes. When comparing traffic deaths to the number of miles driven, the rate of fatalities rose 24 percent — the highest spike in nearly a century.

The grant funding awarded to MORPC is part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BLI) and will support the development of safety action plans and safety improvements.

While the grant funding awarded to MORPC will help address infrastructure and safety improvements, accidents will still happen, leaving victims and their families to deal with devastating consequences.

Serious injuries can result in long-term medical costs, lost wages, and emotional trauma, making it essential for those affected to understand their rights and legal options. Holding negligent drivers accountable not only ensures justice for victims but also serves as a deterrent to reckless behavior on the road.

For those who have suffered injuries in an accident, navigating the legal process can be overwhelming, which is why experienced legal representation is invaluable. Gammill Law specializes in advocating for accident victims, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve.

From negotiating with insurance companies to representing clients in court, their expertise helps injured individuals focus on recovery while their legal team fights for justice. As traffic incidents continue to rise, having a trusted legal partner can make all the difference in securing financial stability and peace of mind after an accident.

Whether it’s a high-speed collision, a devastating motorcycle crash, or an accident involving a pedestrian, the consequences can be life-altering, leaving victims with mounting medical bills, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty. In such cases, securing fair compensation is not just about covering expenses—it’s about reclaiming stability and ensuring a path forward.

With the complexities of personal injury claims, having skilled legal representation is crucial in fighting for the rights of accident victims. Bryan Alfaro Law provides dedicated legal support for those affected by auto accidents, handling a wide range of cases with precision and commitment. From negotiating with insurance companies to litigating in court when necessary, their legal team works tirelessly to ensure that clients receive the compensation they deserve.

As traffic-related fatalities continue to climb, the importance of strong legal representation for accident victims cannot be overstated. While funding for infrastructure improvements aims to enhance road safety, these measures take time to implement, and in the meantime, individuals injured in crashes must navigate the complex aftermath of an accident.

From mounting medical bills to the emotional toll of recovery, victims deserve dedicated legal support to ensure they receive fair compensation. This is where experienced attorneys like Matthew Minskey play a crucial role, providing comprehensive legal guidance while also connecting clients with medical professionals and support services to aid in their recovery. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing clients in court, their expertise ensures that those affected by negligence have the best possible chance of securing justice and financial stability.

With personal injury cases often involving intricate legal battles, having a trusted attorney by your side can make all the difference in easing the burden and allowing victims to focus on healing.

While road accidents often steal the spotlight, workplace injuries quietly affect thousands each year, from construction mishaps to repetitive strain injuries in office settings. These incidents can be just as life-altering, impacting an individual’s ability to earn a living and maintain their quality of life. That’s where workers’ compensation law steps in—to provide critical support during recovery. Navigating the system, however, isn’t always simple. In such cases, George Pearson Law stands out as a reliable ally, offering clear guidance and tireless advocacy to help injured workers secure the compensation they’re legally entitled to.

Whether it’s handling denied claims, understanding benefit limits, or appealing unfavorable decisions, having a knowledgeable legal team ensures that no detail falls through the cracks. Workers deserve a safety net when injuries disrupt their livelihoods, and the right legal support can make all the difference in restoring financial stability.

“The Safe Streets for All grant award will allow MORPC to further serve our rural communities by dedicating resources to safety planning activities so they will be able to implement tangible actions that reduce serious injuries and deaths on Central Ohio’s Roadways."

MORPC has a history of working closely with communities to ensure motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists are safe while traveling. Program staff actively analyzes crash data to better understand why crashes occur and how certain populations, behaviors, and locations are more susceptible to a deadly traffic crash.

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established the new SS4A discretionary program and will allow $5 billion in appropriated funds over the next five years. The SS4A program funds regional, local, and Tribal initiatives through grants to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries. The SS4A program supports Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and the Department’s goal of zero deaths and serious injuries on our nation’s roadways.

To learn more about CORPO visit Central Ohio Rural Planning Organization (CORPO) – MORPC – MORPC

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