Grant awards support trails throughout Maryland

© Shutterstock

Maryland recently awarded $16.8 million in grants through three programs to 42 projects that support bicycle, pedestrian, and trail improvements statewide.

A total of $1 million was awarded through the Recreational Trails Program (RTP), nearly $3.4 million through the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program, and $12.4 million in federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP).

“Bicycle and pedestrian facilities are key components of Maryland’s broad, multimodal transportation strategy,” MDOT Secretary Greg Slater said. “Through these state and federal grant programs, we’re delivering projects that preserve and enhance Maryland’s cultural, historical, and environmental attributes and make them safe and accessible for everyone.”

RTP grants funded 14 projects. They fund trail construction, enhancement, repairs, and maintenance of land and water trails.

The Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program funded 16 projects. It funds projects that improve safety, enhance multimodal connectivity, and fill missing links in the state’s bicycle network.

TAP grants were awarded to 12 projects. They fund on- and off-road pedestrian and bicycle facilities, environmental mitigation efforts, and projects that are part of the Safe Routes to School initiative.

In addition, Howard County was awarded $1.1 million in bikeways design funds for a shared-use path network.