The City of Graceville was awarded $283,000 in FY 2027 Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) funding to implement Phase 2 of its Safe Routes to School infrastructure improvements. The Upper Minnesota Valley Regional Development Commission (UMVRDC) was contracted to write the successful TAP application on behalf of the city. Shortly after submitting the TAP application, the city learned that a separate Safe Routes to School grant—also written by UMVRDC—had been awarded and would fully cover the local match requirement for the TAP funding. The project will enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility by constructing ADA-compliant sidewalks, ramps, and a defined crossing of US Highway 75. These improvements directly support the planned relocation of all elementary students to the Graceville campus and build upon Phase 1 improvements funded for construction in 2025. Together, these efforts will create a continuous, year-round, accessible pedestrian network connecting the school with key residential, commercial, and recreational destinations.
This project would not have been possible without the strong partnership and collaboration between the City of Graceville, Big Stone County, and the Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley School District. Big Stone County’s willingness to lead project engineering and construction was especially critical to its success. The coordination required among these distinct entities—each with different priorities—was a significant achievement. The TAP selection committee specifically acknowledged this accomplishment and commended the project team for their ability to work together to make this community-focused project a reality.
