The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced it awarded the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) with a $18.5 million federal grant to help rehabilitate multi-use paths, according to a press release.
The money from the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant will be used to fund the Capital Trails Network plan, which was created by local jurisdictions, the National Park Service and trail advocacy organizations in order to connect 990 miles of trail in the DMV.
The trail enhancements will benefit the community by making paths safer and more convenient for transportation, as well as providing better access to recreational and outdoor spaces. Bill Tyler, director of the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, stated there will also be updates to directional signage and trail maps.
“The RAISE Grant funding allows us to improve our trails, by extending them; performing maintenance and upgrades on existing trails; and repairing bridges and boardwalks,” Tyler said in the press release. “Results of a 2021 study done on behalf of M-NCPPC showed that 19% of residents in Prince George’s County households had unmet needs regarding walking, hiking, and biking trails. The RAISE Grant funds help us meet the residents’ needs more quickly and in line with our long-term strategy in trails on Commission parkland.”
The grant would cover about a third of costs needed for five high-priority projects in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, according to the press release. These include:
- Rehabilitating the Northwest Branch Trail from the community connection at Oakview Drive to the Piney Branch Road connection, as well as replacing bridges and fords across side streams.
- Developing a shared-use path between the Northwest Branch Trail in Chillum Community Park and the path that links Avondale Community Park to Eastern Avenue in D.C.
- Rehabilitating the Sligo Creek Trail from University Boulevard (Montgomery County) to Chillum Park (Prince George’s County) by adding Vision Zero safety improvements, enhancing ADA access, replacing bridges, and improving drainage among other things.
- Adding to existing funding for phases 2 to 6 of the Central Avenue Connector Trail.
- Designing and constructing a new 10-foot-wide trail from the trail terminus at the D.C.-Maryland border to the Naylor Road Metrorail Station in Prince George’s County.
The M-NCPPC impacts over two million residents and numerous visitors within Montgomery and Prince George’s counties by preserving natural, cultural, and historical resources and creating vibrant recreational experiences. More information on the projects and funding can be found here.
Feature photo of Sligo Creek Trail courtesy of Montgomery Parks.
