Pedestrian Safety, Enforcement, and Education Fund Grant Program

The Pedestrian Safety, Enforcement, and Education Fund Grant Program is administered by the New Jersey Office of Highway Traffic Safety and was created to address the pressing issue of pedestrian safety across municipalities and counties in the state. This initiative originates from legislation enacted under P.L. 2005, c.86, which established a non-lapsing revolving fund within the Office of Highway Traffic Safety. The funding for this program is derived from penalties imposed on motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks, as mandated by N.J.S.A. 39:4-36. Specifically, $100 of each fine collected from such infractions is allocated to this fund to support targeted local interventions. The primary purpose of the program is to enhance pedestrian safety through grants to New Jersey municipalities and counties identified as having high incidences of pedestrian-related traffic issues. Priority for these grants is given to localities seeking to implement remedial measures at intersections flagged by the New Jersey Department of Transportation for pedestrian safety concerns, pursuant to P.L. 2005, c.158. This underscores the program’s data-driven approach to mitigating pedestrian risks, targeting areas with documented safety challenges. The funding scope includes a broad range of permissible uses designed to improve safety infrastructure and education. Municipalities and counties may apply for funding to cover the engineering and design of traffic signage, the purchase and installation of such signage, educational materials or public awareness campaigns focused on pedestrian safety, and staffing costs such as compensation for law enforcement officers or crossing guards stationed at hazardous intersections. The grants may also support contractual services and the purchase of relevant commodities necessary for implementing safety measures. For FY27, which spans from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, a total of $250,000 is available through this program statewide. All grant applications must be submitted via the SAGE (Systems for Administering Grants Electronically) portal, accessible through www.njsaferoads.com. The application window is open until April 30, 2026. Applicants should anticipate preliminary decisions by June 30, 2026, with final awards issued following the adoption of the New Jersey State Fiscal Year 2027 Appropriations Act. It is important to note that all grant awards are contingent upon the availability of state or federal appropriated funds. The Office of Highway Traffic Safety is not liable for funding delays or shortfalls resulting from legislative inaction. Additionally, the Office does not guarantee funding beyond the duration specified in the grant agreement. The program's terms clearly state that no expectation of future funding should be inferred once the stated performance period ends.