Munising - Makes the 4th SAH Community to adopt Complete Streets

Strategic Alliance for Health Communities Resolve to Complete the Streets

The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians – Strategic Alliance for Health (SAH) Project is pleased to announce that all four SAH communities have passed Complete Streets Resolutions in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Complete Streets are those that are designed and maintained to be safe and accessible for all users of all abilities, and not just motorized vehicles.

Sault Ste. Marie was the first SAH community to adopt a Complete Streets resolution in August of 2010. Manistique followed in September, with St. Ignace in December 2010. The City of Munising passed their resolution on February 21, 2011. SAH coalition members in each community worked with city leadership to develop the resolutions which demonstrate a commitment to plan, build and improve non-motorized transportation infrastructure as part of street repair and construction projects.

Improving the walkability and bikeability of their communities is one piece of the SAH project which is working toward making lasting policy, systems, and environmental changes to increase access to physical activity, healthy nutrition, and reduced tobacco use and exposure.

In June and July of 2011, the Sault Tribe SAH will be partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to bring the 2^nd Annual Let’s Get Moving – Community Challenge to Manistique, Munising, St. Ignace, and Sault Ste Marie, along with the SAH mentored communities of Newberry and Kinross. The Community Challenge encourages the use of non-motorized transportation as community teams compete by earning miles for exercise, healthy nutrition and tobacco-free lifestyles. Each community will receive awards from BCBS-Michigan based on their team’s average per person mileage. The funds will be used by the cities to make some type of infrastructure change to enhance access to healthy behaviors within their community.

For more information about Complete Streets, the Sault Tribe SAH project or the Community Challenge, please contact one of the community coordinators: