Staff photo by Fritz Busch A digital radar speed sign displays vehicle speed and flashes speed limit violators with a message to “slow down” on Oakwood Avenue in New Ulm. Brown County commissioners OKed a $6,921 SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) grant Tuesday to pay for signs to be used in Hanska and Comfrey.

NEW ULM — Brown County commissioners unanimously approved a $6,921 state grant agreement Tuesday to purchase digital radar speed signs for Hanska and Comfrey.

The Brown County Highway Department plans to install a portable radar speed sign to be used at multiple locations on county roads 17 and 16 in Comfrey and County Road 13 and Minnesota Highway 257 in Hanska to increase and improve bicycling and walking.

Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl said one digital sign will be placed at various locations in or near Hanska. The other sign will be placed in or near Comfrey.

The portable, solar-powered signs record data including vehicle speed, number of vehicles, and time of day 24 hours a day.

The county highway department found a need for increased safety for pedestrians and bicyclists in high-traffic areas, according to the SHIP (Statewide Health Improvement Partnership) grant application.

The Brown County Highway Department sees digital speed signs as a collaborative effort with active living groups including Safe Routes to School in Brown County and the Coalition for Active, Safe and Healthy Streets in New Ulm.

“I think it’s a very good idea. The SHIP program is designed to increase physical activity. The radar signs are designed to reduce speeds where pedestrians may be walking and bicycling. They improve safety,” said Commissioner Brian Braun.

Approval came on a motion by Commissioner Braun, seconded by Dave Borchert.

Brown County Sheriff Jason Seidl said the arrival date of the digital speed signs is not yet known.