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Governor O'Malley allocates funds for new bike trail

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Published on Wednesday, 08 August 2012 20:00

Written by Intern

Cycling doesn't have to be a sport solely for intense athletes. Increased funding continues to make the sport more accessible for all. Governor Martin O'Malley recently approved an additional $826,500 in Federal Transportation Enhancement Program (TEP) funds for the Easton Rail Spur Line project in Talbot County. The trail will provide a vital link connecting local Easton communities to schools, parks, and the local YMCA.

"Trails not only strengthen and connect communities, they enhance the quality of life for those who walk and bike along them," said Governor O'Malley. "Constructing the Easton Rail Spur Line will provide opportunities for Maryland's families, residents, and visitors to explore and enjoy our great state's natural and cultural treasures."

The project will modify an abandoned railroad corridor into a hiker-biker trail connecting communities with recreational opportunities, and complement ongoing bicycle tourism efforts. The trail will extend 2.4 miles and connect to an existing bike trail along MD 33. Crossing MD 322, the trail will continue over the Tred Avon River and meander through an open space area within Easton Village.

Earlier this week, Governor O'Malley also announced $41,000 in state funding for this trail through a Maryland Bikeways Program grant. The total cost of the project is $1.65 million for trail design and construction, street crossing, and storm water management. The paved trail will vary in width between six and eight feet and include a timber pedestrian bridge over the Tred Avon River.

"We thank Governor O'Malley and the state of Maryland for their support to construct the Easton Rail Trail Spur Line Project," said Easton's mayor, Robert C. Willey. "We are looking forward to adding this trail to our system and continuing our efforts to promote bicycle access and tourism in Easton."

The Easton Rail Spur Line Project is partially funded through the TEP Program, which invests in non-traditional, community-based, transportation-related projects. This year Maryland awarded six TEP projects totaling more than $4.1 million. The governor determines which projects qualify for funding based on need and potential benefit to the public. The Maryland Department of Transportation's State Highway Administration oversees the federal program, which has awarded more than $206 million for 270 projects in Maryland since the TEP program began in 1991.

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