In a historic milestone, the City of Mount Rainier has secured its largest-ever grant—a $9.7 million federal funding from the US Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All Program (SS4A) to implement its Vision Zero Action Plan, a crucial initiative aiming to eliminate fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways.

During a press conference held today at Thomas Stone Elementary School, Congressman Glenn Ivey announced the allocation of nearly $11 million in total federal grants for Mount Rainier and the towns of Brentwood, Riverdale, and Edmonston.

City of Mount Rainier Mayor Celina Benitez, along with City Councilmembers Jarrett Stoltzfus, Luke Chesek, Valerie Woodall, and Danielle Carter, joined Cong. Ivey and other local leaders to shine a spotlight on this collaborative effort toward road safety in the Route 1 communities.

Congressman Glenn Ivey highlighted the critical need for infrastructure upgrades to enhance road safety, recognizing the challenges faced by drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. The funds, secured through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, are poised to play a pivotal role in making roads safer and reducing commute times for Maryland residents.

Key participants in the discussion included the Mayors of Mount Rainier, Riverdale Park, and Brentwood, Prince George’s County Council Members, Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, local council members, and school leaders.

The City of Mount Rainier applied for the Safe Streets for All Program in 2023, a program established to support regional and local efforts to prevent roadway deaths and injuries through planning and demonstration projects. The City's successful grant application was announced in December 2023.