(February 9, 2017) - As part of efforts to expand bicycling and walking options, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and its State Highway Administration (SHA) will hold two public workshops next month with the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to encourage projects that enhance walking, biking, and recreational trail access statewide. At the free workshops, MDOT and DNR staff will explain and solicit applications for several bicycle, pedestrian, and trail grant programs with spring application deadlines.
Sponsored by Dorchester County Tourism and Hagerstown-Washington County CVB, the workshops will identify projects that will fill critical gaps in the existing trail network and provide local governments and non-profit organizations information on state-funded bikeway, trail, sidewalk and pedestrian programs.
There is no cost to attend, but an RSVP is requested. The workshops will be held on the following dates and at these locations:
• Thursday, March 2, 2017
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Dorchester Center for the Arts
George B. Todd Performance Hall – 2nd Floor
321 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613
• Monday, March 13, 2017
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0:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Washington County Free Library
100 South Potomac Street, Hagerstown, MD 21740
Each year, MDOT solicits applications for reimbursable grant funding for programs that support bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects. Each program has distinct eligibility and matching fund requirements, project selection criteria, and grant administration expectations. Free workshops are held annually in March to provide information and advice to potential applicants, which include local governments and non-profit organizations.
The workshops help steer local applicants to appropriate funding programs and lead to stronger applications from which MDOT and SHA will be able to select and award available funds.
The Workshop Program is as follows:
• 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.: ‘Identifying Critical Gaps in the Existing Trail Network’
This facilitated 2-hour workshop, let by DNR, will bring together local trail interests to identify the projects that will fill critical gaps in the existing trail network. By agreeing on trail priorities, officials hope to continue to create a first-rate statewide trails network that will help make Maryland a premiere trail destination for citizens and visitors.
• 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.: Lunch on your own. Local eateries are nearby.
• 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.: ‘From Plan to Project’ – the Project Development process
This hour-long session, led by Toole Design Group, will offer guidance and technical assistance to potential grant applicants who wish to take a project from a conceptual stage and shape it into a venture that is feasible and fundable. This session will outline the general process for implementing projects, focusing on three illustrative project types. Time will be allotted for audience questions.
• 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.: MDOT Bicycle and Pedestrian Project Funding Opportunities
This 2-hour session, led by MDOT/SHA, will cover MDOT grant and funding programs that support bicycle and pedestrian projects. These include the Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and Safe Routes to School (SRTS); Recreational Trails Program (RTP); Bikeways Grant Program; Bicycle and Pedestrian Priority Areas; Retrofit Sidewalk Program; and Retrofit Bicycle Program. The workshop will cover the application process and deadlines for each program, program goals, and eligibility and match requirements. Time will be allotted for audience questions and break-out sessions. This material also will be covered in an interactive webinar to be held Tuesday, March 21, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. RSVP:
http://ow.ly/FOgx308Ekv7.
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