It comes from Transportation Alternative Program.
Frederick, Md (KM). Work is expected to begin on Phase II of the East Street Rails and Trails Pathway. The Board of Aldermen last week approved a memorandum of understanding with the Maryland Department of Transportation, and State Highway Administration for the Federal Transportation Alternative.. A grant will be provided for design, permitting and construction of the trail.
“This memorandum is to provide funding for the final design and building of the Phase Two of the East Street Rails with Trails Plan,” says David Edmundson, a planner with the City of Frederick. “It will run roughly from 8th Street up to about 800-feet south of Maryland 26.”
The amount of the Transportation Alternative Program Grant is $479,000. Edmundson says the city must provide 20% of the grant which is $95,800. He says that amount is currently in the city’s budget.
This East Street Rails and Trails pathway will take walkers and bikers from the downtown MARC station to Walkersville. Phase I of the plan, which is from the MARC station to 8th Street, has already been completed. Phase III includes a bridge over Maryland 26. But only limited design work has been completed, and it may take a while, according to backup materials from the City of Frederick. Phase IV will go from Clemson Corner to Mill Island alongside Wakersville Southern Railroad property.
“It will be a 12-foot wide asphalt path,:” says Edmundson. “There aren’t any obstructions. There are rails that are currently there that will be removed as part of the building process. Those Walkersville Southern Wants.”
Part of pathway will go through the Walkersville Southern Railroad property, but Edmundson says the company is well aware of the project, and is supportive of it.
Some parts of Phase II will be constructed by the developers of the former Coca Cola bottling plant property, and the Canterbury Development.
Alderman Roger Wilson says he’s excited about this project. “As a biker, I often have difficulty coming from the city to out to Walkersivlle. It’s a very dangerous endeavor getting out there,” he said. “I’m glad to see this coming.”
In receiving the grant, the city is required to complete work on Phase II the project within 48 months of the MOU’s execution date.
By Kevin McManus