Foothills Region Awarded Federal Grant To Help Plan A Safer Future for Local Roads

For the first time, residents of McDowell, Polk, and Rutherford counties have a chance to shape the future of roadway safety in the Foothills region. The Foothills Rural Planning Organization (FRPO) is developing its inaugural Regional Safety Action Plan under the federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) initiative, a program designed to prevent serious injuries and fatalities on roads for pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists, and commercial drivers alike.

Funded by a $256,000 planning grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation, with a $64,000 match from Dogwood Health Trust, the project represents a major step in creating a coordinated, data-driven strategy for safer travel. “This SS4A plan is a federally-funded plan for planning and infrastructure initiatives to prevent death and serious injury on roads and streets involving all roadway users,” the project’s website said. Residents are encouraged to share their experiences and concerns through an interactive map and public survey to help guide planning decisions.

The plan, developed in partnership with consulting firm Bolton & Menk, will analyze crash data and roadway conditions to identify high-risk areas. Local input will help shape community-driven solutions, while the plan will also recommend evidence-based safety measures and policy changes based on the Safe System Approach. A steering committee, along with the FRPO’s Technical Coordinating and Advisory Committees, will oversee the project to ensure alignment with local transportation priorities.

Public engagement is central to the effort. The FRPO invites residents, businesses, and community organizations to participate, noting that “your input will help identify safety concerns and guide project priorities.” The interactive online platform allows community members to pinpoint dangerous locations, offer suggestions, and view feedback from others.

The planning process will unfold over 18 months, beginning with an analysis of crash and roadway data from the region. Community workshops and input sessions will follow, leading to a draft plan in the summer of 2026. After further review and public feedback, the plan will be formally adopted, providing a roadmap for future safety investments — from improved traffic signals and road design to sidewalks, bike lanes, and enforcement strategies.

For residents eager to have a voice in shaping safer roads, the FRPO has made the survey and interactive map accessible online.