EMMET CO., MI -- A grant has been award to a local health department to encourage more children to walk to school.

The Health Department of Northwest Michigan has received a grant from the Michigan Department of Community Health to develop "Safe Routes to Schools" action plans.

Six schools, two in Pellston, Gaylord, and Boyne City each, are targeted for the grant, which will look at ways to improve walking and biking to and from school.

"Parents are fearful because some of the routes aren't that great, and we hope to identify, and there are some quick fixes that we can probably do once we get our action plan together so we can address some of those safety concerns," said Jim Harrington, the Building Healthy Communities Consultant for the Health Department of Northwest Michigan.

Tuesday, the health department did a study in Pellston to see what can be done to improve routes which will help urge students to walk.

Action plans should be completed later this year, and in works by next year.

The health department will be doing studies in Boyne City on December 6th.  The Health Department is looking for parents to be a part of the studies in the individual towns.  If you are interested, contact Jim Harrington at (989) 619-4204.