Town of Windermere announces federal funding for Safe Route to School Project

The Town of Windermere announced in a Facebook post on Friday that the area is expected to receive $760,000 in federal funding for Phase One of Windermere's Safe Route to School Project.

The Windermere Safe Route to School Project is part of the Windermere Ward Trail; a multimodal transportation path for walking, cycling, and golf cart travel within Windermere.

Phase One of the project primarily focuses on Windermere Elementary students and their ability to safely and easily access the school as well as allow residents to safely use the paths to get to civic, recreations, commercial, and educational facilities, according to the project update from the town. 

Recommended improvements in the town's plan map include refurbishing deteriorating sidewalk paths, improving golf cart mobility, canal bridge additions, expanding bicycle facilities and more. 

Windermere first began the process of applying for federal funding in March with the help of the town, Windermere Mayor Jim O'Brien and U.S. Rep. Val Demings. 

In July, Demings announced that funding for 10 community projects in Central Florida, including the Safe Route to School Project, were approved and successfully passed the House Appropriations Committee. 

“I am excited to announce that we have successfully obtained committee approval for major investments to Central Florida’s public safety, education, job training, affordable housing, and infrastructure services," said Demings in a press release. 

The town earned $760,000 in funding for the project. 

“I would like to thank Representative Demings for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Town of Windermere," said Mayor O'Brien. "The funding for Windermere’s Safe Route to School Project Phase One will ensure that our children have a safe and healthy route to school daily. Additionally, the project benefits the entire West Orange Community by enhancing the walkability of town and providing enhanced safety and accessibility for all citizens.”

For more information on the project, visit the Town of Windermere's website here.