Schools could benefit from 'Safe Routes' program by Michael DeVault - posted Thursday, December 20th, 2012 @ 12:00 pm  E-mail Story |  Print Story  Three Ouachita Parish schools could benefit from a federal program designed to provide pedestrian access to schools. The Ouachita Parish Police Jury will again partner with Ouachita Parish Schools to apply for funding through the Federal Highway Administration's "Safe Routes To School" program, a funding initiative that provide construction money to build or replace sidewalks leading to schools. The Police Jury entertained the matter Monday night at its regular meeting. It was the Police Jury's final meeting of the year. This year, the Police Jury and parish School Board will pursue funding for additional sidewalks at Jack Hayes Elementary and Swartz Elementary, according to Laura Hemphill, who oversees the program on behalf of the School Board. ..... For the full story, subscribe to the The Ouachita Citizen's NEW E-Edition!