(Annapolis) - In order to provide an alternative, safer route for pedestrians and bicyclists on a congested area of US 1 in College Park, Governor Martin O'Malley has committed $200,000 in Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) funds to construct the final segment of the College Park Trolley Trail. This segment, from Calvert Road to the Paint Branch Parkway, is 8 feet wide and 1,700 linear feet long.
The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will provide funding for the remainder of the total cost of the project, which is $1,716,000.
As part of the College Park Trolley Trail, the Calvert Road to Paint Branch Parkway portion will provide more convenient and attractive pedestrian and bicycle access, reduce automobile traffic in and around College Park, and protect and restore the quality of the physical environment. Users of the trail system will have access to two Metro stations, the University of Maryland, commercial centers throughout College Park and to the regional trail system.
"The College Park Trolley Trail is a great way to keep pedestrians safe and away from the roads in a busy, congested part of our State," said Governor O'Malley. "Completing this trail will be a critical addition to the area, and improve the quality of life for the citizens of College Park and all of Maryland."
The State contribution to this and similar projects is made possible through the Transportation Enhancement Program, which funds non-traditional, community-based transportation-related projects. The Governor determines which projects qualify for funding based on need and potential benefit to the public. Grants approved so far in 2007 total $11.3 million. The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration oversees the federal program, which has awarded more than $173 million for 244 projects in Maryland since TEP began in 1991.
CONTACT:
Rick Abbruzzese
Governor's Press Office
410-974-2316
Valerie Burnette Edgar
SHA
410-545-0303
800-323-6742 |
