TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) -- Could sidewalks be a determining factor in bringing more residents to Tupelo?
At least one city leader is banking on it, with proposed funding for the Safe Routes to Schools initiative.
The city already obtained a federal grant from the Department of Transportation which would cover installation of new sidewalks around Pierce Street Elementary and Tupelo Middle School.
Mayor Jack Reed Jr. has allotted more than $1.7 million over the next five years to continue sidewalk construction at other schools in the city as well.
"We got 17 neighborhood associations. By far, the number one request from these neighborhood associations is safe sidewalks, so we can live in our community, get out of our houses and not have to walk in the street," Reed said.
Reed added he believes the initiative makes the Tupelo Municipal School District more attractive for potential future residents.
