Thursday, June 11, 2015

MCDOT Submits Four Grant Applications that could Significantly Expand Bikeshare, Transit


The Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) recently submitted four grant applications to the U.S. Department ofTransportation (USDOT), the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Transportation Planning Board that could expand and improve alternative transportation options in the County, including increasing Bikeshare Stations by 50 percent. 

The grants are:

1) TIGER Grant (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) to USDOT for Ride On Plus service on Maryland Route 355 between the Lakeforest Transit Center and the Grosvenor Metrorail Station. The County requested $17 million for this $21.25 million project that will purchase 14 all-electric buses for an 11-mile/14-station system; add 17 additional Bikeshare stations; and provide Transit Signal Priority at 31 intersections. Awards will be announced this fall.

2) Maryland Bikeways Program Grant. This project would fund 10 Bikeshare stations in Wheaton around the Metro Station. The County has requested $503,000 from MDOT for the $628,000 project, with the remainder funded by the County. Awards will be announced this fall.

3) Maryland Transportation Alternatives Grant would fund the design and engineering for a MD 355 Shared Use Path and Sidewalk from Snowden Farm Parkway/Little Bennett Park to Stringtown Road. The total design cost is $640,000, of which $512,000 in State funding was requested with the remainder funded by the County. Awards will be announced this fall.

4) National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) Transportation Land Use Connections (TLC) Program would provide conceptual design and technical assistance to plan pedestrian and bicycle wayfinding improvements to and from the Bethesda downtown Metrorail station This project is a partnership with Bethesda Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce, the Bethesda Urban Partnership and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Design funding of $50,000 was requested. There is no County funding match required. Awards will be announced this summer.