It’s a first for West Virginia University student government and the state.

WVU student plans to construct a sidewalk on Willowdale Road have been given the green light by the West Virginia Department of Transportation.

This is the first time a student government group has submitted a proposal for Transportation Enhancement funds in West Virginia , said outgoing Student Body Vice President Shannon Logan.

Logan worked with outgoing Student Body President D.J. Casto and others in the Student Government Association (SGA) on the initiative, which calls for a five-foot-wide sidewalk, ramps for wheelchair access and additional lighting along Willowdale Road at a projected cost of approximately $556,000.

A $445,283 grant from the federal Transportation Enhancement Program will pay for 80 percent of the costs; the rest will be split evenly among WVU , the city of Morgantown and Monongalia County .

Gov. Joe Manchin will recognize the efforts of WVU students on the projecttentatively scheduled to begin next yearat 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at the State Capitol. Logan, current SGA President Jason Gross and Vice President Beth Belch plan to attend. Also on hand will be Sen . Mike Oliverio , D-Mon., who signed an endorsement for the proposal.

Logan, who made the project part of her 2005 election platform, cited several reasons for the project:

• With WVU ’s increasing student enrollment, the development of new student housing is pushing further onto the Evansdale campus along Willowdale Road .

• Willowdale Road provides the main access to WVU Hospitals and a number of student residences and housing complexes occupied by students as well as WVU employees.

• The road shows signs of deterioration and is a safety concern among students.

• The street borders Milan Puskar Stadium and is heavily traveled on game days.

• Willowdale Road also borders facilities such as NIOSH and leads to the future home of the WVU Research Park . A new Residence Inn will also soon be constructed along this roadway.

The project will be a safe connector between the campuses and lighting will be added,Logan said.Students will be able to walk the route safely, and it will be handicap accessible. The goal is to improve safety and transportation for everybodynot just students.

She added,We want to thank Gov. Manchin, Division of Highways Commissioner Paul Mattox, members of the Legislature and all of the people who helped us in so many ways. This grant shows that we’re thinking outside the box, and it sheds great light on what can be accomplished by effective student leaders.

The project is a joint partnership between state government, WVU student government, the University, city of Morgantown , Monongalia County , and local businesses and organizations.

Alpha Associates investigated the site and came up with a budget proposal; the Morgantown Planning Organization helped SGA leaders research the grant and guided them through the application process; and representatives from the WVU President’s Office and Facilities Management volunteered their time and expertise.

Applying for a Transportation Enhancement grant is a competitive process. The programadministered by the West Virginia Department of Transportation and Federal Highways Administrationlooks for projects that enhance the travel experience and foster the quality of life in American communities.

The grant program provides 80 percent of the eligible project cost with the remainder to be provided by the project sponsor.