By Dennis Box-The Courier-Herald

The city of Bonney Lake has been awarded a couple of grants to help increase safety around schools and the city.

Officials announced the city received a $9,000 grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission to be used for flashing light signs and equipment for two Bonney Lake elementary school zones.

The signs are to be installed on West Tapps Highway near Emerald Hills Elementary and on Locust Avenue close to Bonney Lake Elementary.

The lights are designed to alert approaching drivers about the school zone and the 20 mph speed limit.

According to a press release, the city will put up $7,000 of its own money to cover labor costs and hook-up fees.

The city plans to have the lights and signs in place by September.

Police Chief Mike Mitchell announced his department received a $12,000 grant from the Washington Traffic Safety Commission for a second speed cart.

Mitchell said the cart would be set up in school zones to see if enforcement methods are working.

The cart is set up on the side of a highway and shows the speed in large numbers of approaching cars.

The city has one speed cart, which has needed repairs. The new one has the capability to count cars and provide the date, time and speed of passing vehicles.

Dennis Box can be reached at dbox@courierherald.com.