City Of Salem Awarded $4M Grant From U.S. Department Of Transportation - 11/02/26
City of Salem Awarded $4M Grant from U.S. Department of Transportation
SALEM, Ore. — Friday, October 30, Oregon’s U.S. Senators and Representatives announced the award of a $4 million grant to the City of Salem from the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant program. The bipartisan grant program provides funding to local, tribal and regional jurisdictions to improve safety and travel for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists.
“Innovative, community-driven solutions are a hallmark of Salem,” said Salem City Manager Krishna Namburi. “This federal investment builds on the important work already underway through our Safe, Clean and Healthy Salem initiative and reflects our commitment to finding creative solutions to complex challenges. We are proud to see these efforts recognized and supported by the federal government as we continue working with our partners to make Salem a safer, healthier community.”
The grant funds will build on the City’s previously awarded SS4A investments by modernizing public safety infrastructure and enhancing roadway safety. In particular, the City of Salem expects to focus the investment in three areas:
- Community Paramedicine and REACH: Expanding community-based emergency services through the Rapid Engagement, Assessment and Community Health (REACH) program to connect individuals in crisis with appropriate care, reduce repeat 911 calls and preserve emergency resources for critical incidents.
- Strengthen Public Safety Infrastructure: Investing in emergency medical vehicles, equipment, technology, staffing and services, including prehospital and ambulatory services, to improve patient outcomes and emergency response capabilities.
- Modernize Emergency Regional Coordination: Improving regional emergency communications and coordination through investments in data collection, strategic planning initiatives, staff training and the development of a Supplemental Safety Action Plan to enhance roadway safety.
“This federal investment will strengthen our existing partnerships with regional organizations like Marion County, a critical partner in the work of our REACH team,” said Salem Fire Chief David Gerboth. “It will also create opportunities to expand our collaboration with local and regional health care providers, further strengthening our ability to serve the community.”
In 2023, the City of Salem received $2.8 million from the SS4A grant program to support two key safety initiatives: the development of a Safe Streets for All Action Plan and the implementation of a “20 is Plenty” pilot project that was approved by Salem City Council in October 2026.