Once classes ended Monday at River Ridge Elementary School, Ruth Brosnahan huddled together a group of children as they strolled home on a sidewalk along Mullikin Road.

Mrs. Brosnahan, a resident of a nearby neighborhood, was keenly aware of the July death of Christian Giles, who was struck by a Ford Expedition while walking on the road's edge.

Mrs. Brosnahan and the children, three of whom were hers, tried to stay clear of passing motorists, but they could use a sidewalk for only part of their journey.

County commissioners say they will examine a proposal to build sidewalks along Mullikin Road from Furys Ferry Road to Hunter's Cove. Other roads in the county also could be considered.

Each commissioner has a slice of $713,000 in discretionary transportation funds left from the 2001-05 1-cent sales tax referendum, County Administrator Steve Szablewski said. Commissioners might use some of their share for the $575,000 sidewalk project on Mullikin Road.

Typically, it costs $90 to $100 per foot to build a sidewalk, said Scott Herring, the director of construction and maintenance services.

Commissioner Tommy Mercer said he intends to designate $50,000 of his discretionary funds to build the sidewalk. However, he expects other residents will make similar requests.

He said he'll use the rest of his funding to extend a sidewalk on Flowing Wells Road and build a sidewalk on part of Columbia Road.

Commissioner Diane Ford said she is awaiting a list of projects needed in her district before determining how much funding she can devote to sidewalks on Mullikin Road.

Scott Dean, the county's newest commissioner, said he wants to contribute to the sidewalk project, but he first wants to make sure he doesn't shortchange his district. Still, he said he recognizes the need for a sidewalk on a street so close to two schools.