February 22nd, 2016 by WCBC Radio

As part of continuing efforts to expand bicycling and walking opportunities in Maryland, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and MDOT’s State Highway Administration (SHA) today announce $14 million in reimbursable grant funding will be available in 2016 for projects that enhance walking, biking, and recreational trail access statewide.   In March, two workshops will take place to provide local governments and non-profit organizations the opportunity to gather information on state-funded Bikeways, Transportation Alternatives, and Recreational Trails programs.

“I encourage local officials to attend a workshop to learn how to secure funding and partner with MDOT to establish priority areas for pedestrian and bicycle efforts,” said Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn.

At the workshops, MDOT officials will provide information on funding sources, project eligibility/requirements and funding cycles.  The free workshops will be held on the following dates at these locations:

·         Thursday, March 3, 2016

10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Historic London Town & Gardens
839 Londontown Road 

Edgewater, MD  21037

RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-mdot-bikepedestriantrail-funding-programs-londontownanne-arundel-county-tickets-21219607417?utm_term=eventurl_text; 

·         Tuesday, March 15, 2016

3:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Rockville City Hall

111 Maryland Avenue

Rockville, MD  20850

RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2017-mdot-bikepedestriantrail-funding-programs-rockville-tickets-21220611420

Additionally, MDOT staff will provide information about applying for designation of a Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Area at the workshops.  Throughout the year, MDOT staff will meet with representatives from local jurisdictions across the State to discuss in detail bicycle and pedestrian plans and potential projects. 

MDOT is making state and federal funding available to support enhancements to Maryland’s bicycle and pedestrian network through the following programs:  Maryland’s Bikeways, Safe Routes to School, Transportation Alternatives and Recreational Trails.  Information regarding eligibility and submission deadlines for these programs is available at the following sites: 

·         The Bikeways Program http://www.mdot.maryland.gov/newMDOT/Planning/Bike/Bikeways.html 

·         The Transportation Alternatives Program and Safe Routes to School:  http://ow.ly/JHvRT

·         The Recreational Trail Program:  http://ow.ly/JHvVf

MDOT recently updated its Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which establishes a 20-year vision to support cycling and walking as modes of transportation in Maryland.  Learn more at www.mdot.maryland.gov/BikeWalkPlan.