County Gets $2.85 Million from State for New Pedestrian and Bike Access to Transit

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Contact: Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
Jean Chait, 240-777-7197
For Immediate Release: May 1, 2001

County Gets $2.85 Million from State for
New Pedestrian and Bike Access to Transit

County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today announced completion of one of the first projects funded under Access 2000, a new Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) initiative that improves pedestrian and bicycle access to transit stations. The nearly one-mile long sidewalk in Germantown that improves access to the MARC train station, is part of a $2.85 million program funded by MDOT and administered by the County.

"Montgomery County is working hard to make it even easier for commuters to avoid traffic congestion by expanding alternative transportation options," Duncan said. "However, we must ensure that residents who choose to use alternative transportation by walking or biking to rail stations have a safe way to do so. We are grateful for the State's assistance in expanding the possibilities for commuters, making more destinations accessible by combining walking and biking with Metrorail or MARC train rides."

The Montgomery County Council today approved supplemental funding, giving the County authority to spend State money for construction of new sidewalks and for design of several needed bikeways.

"It is extraordinarily important to improve pedestrian access to Metro and MARC to support people in alternative ways to get to work," said County Council President Blair Ewing. "I'm very excited by this."

The County recently completed the $187,000 sidewalk in Germantown that runs along Middlebrook Road from just east of MD 118 to Great Seneca Highway, continuing on Great Seneca Highway from Middlebrook Road to Dawson Farm Road. Several other projects using the Access 2000 grants are underway (see attached list).

"For too long, citizens have had to walk through mud and rough terrain to get to many of our transit stations," said Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari. "The sidewalks constructed in Montgomery County as part of the Glendening Administration's Access 2000 program will make it easier for adults and children to reach transit - and the opportunities that lie beyond."

Projects chosen for construction this year were easiest to implement based on the ease and speed in which the improvement could be permitted, advertised, and constructed.

Access 2000 grants fund bicycle and pedestrian improvements made within six-tenths of a mile of a Metro or MARC train station. The grants pay for 100 percent of all approved projects. The Access 2000 program will continue to provide grants next year and the County is putting together a list of additional projects they hope will be funded for FY02.

For more information, call Jean Chait at 240-777-7170.

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