Stack Announces Funding for Blvd. Accident Reduction Initiative

PHILADELPHIA, NOV. 19, 2009 — State Sen. Mike Stack today announced another round of significant state funding that will help police officers enforce the traffic laws along Roosevelt Boulevard.

The Philadelphia Police Department recently received $199,978 from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for the Roosevelt Boulevard Accident Reduction Initiative. The grant will target traffic enforcement along 12.5 miles of Roosevelt Boulevard, from 9th Street to the county line. This is the sixth consecutive year that the initiative will receive this funding.

“This annual funding continues to allow our police officers with the means to protect motorists and pedestrians from unlawful drivers,” Stack said. “Although many improvements have been made to increase safety over the years, Roosevelt Boulevard continues to pose tremendous traffic challenges to the Philadelphia Police Department, PennDOT, and other agencies charged with keeping our streets safe. That’s why I’m pleased that, once again, they’re going to receive the funding to help them do their jobs.”

“We are pleased to secure grant funding to continue this important and effective initiative along Roosevelt Boulevard,” said state Rep. Mike McGeehan. “The reduction in accidents and property damage is second only to the lives that are saved through these increased safety measures.”

During the 2008-09 funding year, police officers monitoring the boulevard issued 4,339 tickets for traffic safety violations and arrested 39 people. They conducted 2,767 vehicle investigations and 212 pedestrian investigations and impounded 207 vehicles.

“Our officers work hard every day to serve the citizens who live and work in our district, and this funding allows to specifically focus on this heavily used highway,” said Capt. Joseph Zaffino, commander of the 7th Police District. “We’re grateful that the state is giving us the opportunity to continue to protect everyone who lawfully drives along and walks across the boulevard.”

With this grant, PennDOT has awarded more than $1.8 million in grant funds to the city for Roosevelt Boulevard enforcement over the past seven years. In 2001, before this grant started, there were 21 fatalities on the boulevard. Last year, in 2008, there were five fatalities.

“PennDOT continues to work with the City of Philadelphia to enhance safety on Roosevelt Boulevard,” said Lester C. Toaso, PennDOT district executive. “We have made many physical improvements such as installing pedestrian countdown timers, and we will continue to plan further safety enhancements. But the most important safety factor is strong traffic enforcement. We’re delighted to provide the Philadelphia Police Department with a renewed grant which the police will use for increased patrols, and we thank the police for doing an excellent job.”

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