HOWLAND — Officials have taken another step toward improving accessibility throughout the township, thanks to a pair of grants.

At last week’s regular meeting, trustees accepted award letters from the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments’ Transportation Alternatives Program for phases two and three of the state Route 46 Pedestrian Improvement project.

The township was awarded $180,844, with a $42,211 local match, for phase two, which will construct sidewalks from Carriage Hill to King Graves Road and cost $226,055.

As for phase three, which will construct sidewalks from King Graves to North River Road and cost $261,207, the township was awarded $208,966, with a local match of $52,241.

Township Planning Director Kim Mascarella explained that the projects were part of a three-phase endeavor to implement sidewalks from East Market Street to North River Road, receiving trustee approval to pursue the funds in November.

“Phases two and three were approved; phase one is still being considered through the Safe Routes to School program,” Mascarella said.

Trustees approved an application for $923,925 in Safe Routes to School funding for phase one of the program in February. It is the Niles Cortland Road NE sidewalk project, which encompasses High Street to Carriage Hill.

Mascarella said she’ll keep trustees updated with the grant’s status.