The town of Coupeville received a $15,000 risk reduction grant from its insurance carrier, the Washington Cities Insurance Authority, to install solar powered, flashing beacons for the crosswalk in front of Coupeville Elementary School.

The town council voted unanimously to accept the grant during its meeting April 12. Coupeville Mayor Molly Hughes told the council that traffic near the elementary school has become an increasing safety hazard as more parents opt to drive their children to school rather than send them on the school buses.

Hughes told the council that the town would work out an installation schedule with the school, and she anticipates the beacons will be installed by the beginning of the 2022-23 school year at the latest.

She also said the police department intends to work with the school district to educate parents about pedestrian safety and crosswalk usage.

The town has applied for many risk reduction grants from the insurance organization in the past but has only been awarded one once before, Hughes said. Coupeville applied for two $15,000 grants this year and received one.