Lake County's Board of Supervisors has taken a significant step towards enhancing road safety by approving a letter of support for the County of Lake's application for the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) planning and demonstration grant. This decision, made during the board's meeting on June 17, 2025, aims to secure funding for critical safety improvements across the county.

Public Works Director Glenn March introduced the initiative, highlighting the importance of the SS4A grant as a federal safety program designed to address high-risk road areas. The county's application will focus on developing a Local Road Safety Plan (LRSP) that identifies corridors with a history of fatalities and serious injuries. This plan is essential for qualifying for future implementation grants, which will fund actual construction projects.

David Bingham, the newly appointed capital project manager, explained that the planning grant will allow the county to conduct safety analyses and corridor studies. These studies will provide detailed estimates and scopes of work, which are crucial for securing future funding. The board emphasized the goal of achieving zero fatalities and severe injuries on county roads, reinforcing the urgency of this initiative.

The board's approval included amendments to ensure the accuracy of the grant name and details. With this support, Lake County is poised to take proactive measures in improving road safety, ultimately aiming to reduce accidents and enhance community well-being. The next steps involve finalizing the application and continuing collaboration with local agencies to develop effective safety strategies.