Underwood School District Receives Grant for School Bus Stop Arm Camera System

ST. PAUL (KDLM) – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety is awarding more than $3.5 million in grants to 32 schools and school bus companies to install stop arm camera systems.

In the Lakes Area, the Underwood School District will receive $5,500 for 5 camera systems.

The project is a joint effort with the Minnesota State Patrol and its school bus safety work.

“For a parent, the thought of losing a child to a vehicle blowing past an extended school bus stop arm is unthinkable,” said Mike Hanson, Office of Traffic Safety director. “Yet we see too many drivers who are distracted or place their priorities over the safety of our youngest Minnesotans. The camera grant project is a significant effort to keep kids safe, hold selfish or inattentive drivers accountable, and change dangerous driving choices.”

Minnesota state legislators approved funding for this year and 2023, totaling $14.7 million. The funding will be used for purchasing and installing stop arm camera systems and supporting software programs.