[B’ Spokes: Before I share the following email I have a pop quiz for you all: How does one become a Priority Funding Area? No idea? Congrats, that’s the correct answer!
While I was really impressed with the out reach for MDOT Trails Plan, MDOT’s Priority Funding Areas is a whole other matter. As far as I can tell it’s totally top secret with no public comments allowed, or it’s just a simple matter that no one really bothers to set these things up, as only in rare occasions have I seen the term actually used for a project and even then it seems to be more of a perk to give a developer then anything else, and that’s not right.
High pedestrian fatality rates, really low bike modal share numbers, these do not seem to be enough to make a Priority Funding Area. [heavy sigh]
But there is hope with the County Priority Letter; start writing your County’s Exec to prioritize your bike projects, (though still annoying this is outside the normal planning processes.)
And please remember, a simple Bike Master Plan is not enough to get funding.]
applications for funding through May 4. Information and application materials
are at www.cycle.maryland.gov
applicants, or may be suggesting that local governments consider applying. I’ve
compiled a few key pieces of info to help with initial screening and questions
from potential applicants. You can continue to direct questions to me, but I
thought this would be helpful.
bike project for general public use. On-road facilities and off-road trails;
Local and state roads (though most state road projects will be handled through
bike retrofit, system preservation, etc.)
funding?
be:
Located substantially (80%) within the Priority Funding Area
(PFA), and/or
Located within ½ mile of a rail transit station, and/or
Addressing a gap identified in the MDOT Trails Plan A Greener Way
to Go, and/or
Identified as a transportation priority in a County’s most recent
annual priority letter submitted to MDOT
accessed from the webpage with the application materials. If a project is not
covered by any of these criteria, then it will not be considered for Bikeways
funding.
listed above.
funding?
likely to be this year. Projects that have the greatest potential to improve
bicycling as a transportation option will be rated the highest. So, for example,
projects that provide access to transit and connections to employers, schools
and other destinations will be favored. In addition, projects that are included
in the MDOT Trails Plan will be rated highly.
entities, and federal public lands agencies. Private and non-profit
organizations can not apply directly, but they can partner with an eligible
applicant.
depending on the location and type of a particular project.
bikeways priority area. We have created an online map showing the priority
areas. They include:
Rail transit station areas (within ½ mile)
Planned missing links in MDOT Trails Plan
Sustainable Community Areas (designated by DHCD)
Maryland Main Streets
Central business districts (not an official designation, but
evidenced by land uses) and major institutions
(e.g. universities, major hospitals)
Census tract(s) at or below 60% of Area Median Income
are as follows:
|
|
In Bikeways Priority Area
|
Not in Bikeways Priority Area
|
|
Minor Retrofit (up to $100,000 for signing, pavement
markings, etc) |
0%
|
50%
|
|
Feasibility Assessment/Planning
|
20%
|
50%
|
|
Design
|
20%
|
50%
|
|
Construction
|
70%
|
80%
|
match, what can count toward match, etc. Projects with stronger cash match will
be more competitive for funding.
Enhancements grant match.
getting word out about the new program is critical to its success!! Please also
filter back any feedback or concerns you are hearing to me.
Sylvester
Programming
Transportation (MDOT)