Who is affected and how:

• State governments: Directly affected. States that employ the specified Safe Routes to School coordinator become eligible for a 95% federal share on eligible projects, substantially lowering their required non‑federal match (to about 5%). States that do not employ a coordinator retain the existing cost-share regime and lose a financial incentive.

• Local governments and school districts: Likely benefit when their State employs a coordinator because projects they sponsor or participate in could qualify for the higher federal share, reducing local funding burdens and making more projects feasible.

• K–12 students, families, and school communities: Indirect beneficiaries. Increased federal support can accelerate construction or improvement of safe walking/biking routes, enhancing safety and access to schools.

• State departments of transportation and program administrators: Will need to track coordinator employment status and document it during grant applications and project administration; may update procedures to claim the 95% share.

• Federal budget/administration: The provision increases the potential federal share for qualifying projects, which could raise federal outlays if more projects are approved under the 95% share; however, actual fiscal impact depends on future appropriations and program demand.

Overall effect: The amendment reduces the statutory imperative on States by softening language while adding a clear financial incentive to hire or designate a Safe Routes to School coordinator. That incentive is likely to increase uptake of coordinator positions and could expand the number of federally supported Safe Routes projects by lowering local cost barriers. The change is narrow, administratively straightforward, and does not itself appropriate new funds.