$380K federal grant helps Muskegon buy safety barriers

MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) — U.S. Rep. Hillary Scholten, D-Grand Rapids, and the city of Muskegon announced today that the city is receiving $380,000 from the federal government for safety equipment to help with fairs, parades and other outdoor activities.

The federal grant was one of several the congresswoman submitted to help bring taxpayer money back from Washington.

The devices purchased are designed to stop traffic from inadvertently entering a parade route or crossing into a busy festival or fair.

Scholten says it’s a matter of making people feel safe when they’re at one of the 100 or so such gatherings in Muskegon this summer.

“After working closely with the city of Muskegon official over the last year and a half, it is clear that the city needs more resources to help keep people safe during these critical events,” she said. “The best way to secure these resources, particularly for specific projects like this one, is through the community-funded projects program.”

The congresswoman says that’s where she was able to get the funds for a number of the lightweight, easily movable barriers.

Muskegon Director of Public Safety Tim Kozal says the new safety devices are much more versatile than conventional barriers.

“I started thinking about when I was looking at how we address our safety and security of our residence and visitors downtown,” he said. “Like you say, wooden barriers, that’s not going to stop a vehicle. It’s very difficult to bring a large cement barrier in and remove them, so this particular barrier system is easily movable, but it’s not movable when a vehicle runs into it.”

The barriers were unveiled Thursday as Muskegon prepared for its busy summer season.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.