COLUMBUS (WCMH) — The Columbus City Council will vote to potentially install new sidewalks around several Columbus City Schools.

The $2.5 million proposal is part of the 2018 Capital Improvement Budget.

Last year, two Independence High School students approached the council about the dangers they see for fellow students who walk to school.

“It’s a really scary thing,” said Shayanna Hinkle-Moore. “There aren’t really sidewalks, consistently throughout the street.”

Hinkle-Moore and Nasiara Jones said they were not sure if the council would act.

On Wednesday, they learned the sidewalk projects will be part of the proposed budget.

“We were in the process of going to another meeting,” Jones explained. “I didn’t think it would happen.”

Councilmember Elizabeth Brown joined the teenagers, in announcing the proposal.

Brown commends the young women for taking action.

“They came to city council and they presented their plan,” she said. “To me, that was incredibly influential in sort of making sure this funding exist in this year’s budget.”

The council is expected to vote on the budget, by the end of April.

The schools which could benefit from new sidewalks include Independence High School, Lincoln Park Elementary School, South High School, Livingston Elementary School, Highland Elementary School and West Broad Elementary School.

Hinkle-Moore and Jones both said they hope younger generations follow their example, in pushing for change.

“This was our project,” said Hinkle-Moore. “Now it’s your turn to do something for the kids that are coming after you.”