BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, September 09, 2024) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is excited to announce the launch of a new phase in developing the Baltimore Region’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). This phase begins with releasing a Public Input website designed to engage residents in shaping the future of climate action in the Baltimore region, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County and Queen Anne’s County.

The BMC is committed to inclusive community involvement, especially from historically disinvested communities, as it moves forward with the CCAP.  Residents of the target counties are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns through a newly launched survey available on the Public Input website. Additionally, BMC representatives will be tabling at various public events and hosting dedicated sessions to provide information and facilitate community engagement.

This project is funded by a generous grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The grant supports BMC’s efforts to develop climate action plans that address the pressing issue of climate pollution and ensure a sustainable future for the Baltimore region.

“Engaging with the community is crucial to the success of the CCAP,” said Executive Director Mike Kelly. “We want to make sure that the plan not only addresses environmental issues but also reflects the needs and values of our region’s residents. We encourage everyone to join us in advancing climate action.”

Community members are urged to visit the Public Input website to complete the survey and view the calendar of upcoming public events. Your feedback is vital and will play a direct role in the developing the CCAP, which is set to be finalized by June 2025.

The BMC remains dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the region’s resilience against climate impacts. By participating, you contribute to a comprehensive strategy that aims to improve public health, air quality, and overall community well-being. Join us in this community effort to build a more sustainable Baltimore region.

For further information: 

Contact: Louisa Glazunova (lglazunova@baltometro.org)
Email: climateplan@publicinput.com 
Phone: 410-732-0500 x 1020
Website: https://publicinput.com/climateplan 

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Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.

BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. 

BALTIMORE, MD (August, July 16, 2024) -- At its monthly meeting on July 23, Baltimore Regional Transportation Board members approved 18 transportation projects – funded with $14.1 million from the Carbon Reduction Program and $4.7 million from the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP). BRTB Chair Tony Russell stated that “the BRTB is gratified that a robust range of projects were approved to support active transportation and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. These projects help advance the goals of the Long-Range Transportation Plan, Resilience 2050, and help the State achieve their climate goals."

The BRTB plays an essential role by coordinating with MDOT. It is responsible for selecting regional projects using funding set aside by Congressional action for the region and subsequently approving these funding allocations as part of its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Eleven projects will receive funding from the competitive Carbon Reduction Program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which funds projects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road transportation sources. The selected projects are consistent with strategies to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as bicycle and pedestrian, technology, and transit.

The following are the Carbon Reduction Program projects that were approved for funding:

Anne Arundel County – Video Detection Upgrade - $252,000

The project will upgrade existing video detection equipment for traffic management to improve and support the implementation of adaptive control technologies on major County Road corridors.

Baltimore City Electric Vehicle Transition - $4,015,006

The project will enable the purchase of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the transition of City Fleet vehicles from internal combustion engines to electric.

Public Charging at Howard County Parks - $752,368

Howard County will expand publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure at permanent sites on County-owned properties throughout the County to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

Broken Land Parkway – MD 32 Park-and-Ride Access Project - $910,000

The project will design and construct a shared-use path on the west side of Broken Land Parkway, extending from Patuxent Woods Drive to the park-and-ride lot. The path will serve as a crucial last-mile connection to the regional commuter bus network and carpool opportunities and integrate with the local trail system.

Light Duty Vehicles – MPA Electric Vehicle Purchase - $472,320

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) will replace eleven gasoline-fueled fleet vehicles with eleven zero-emission electric vehicles. The vehicles proposed for replacement are primarily used as fleet vehicles on and around MPA-owned terminals and properties in the Baltimore area.

Anne Arundel Mercury Vapor to LED Streetlight Conversion - $1,060,800

The project supports the conversion of County-owned streetlights to energy-efficient LED streetlights in its effort to reduce the County’s carbon footprint and operating costs.

Fuel Cell Electric Bus Procurement - $5,367,142

The project includes the procurement of four hydrogen fuel cell buses (FCEBs) and supports state goals to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. This project will be the MTA’s first deployment of FCEB technology.

MD 2 Sidewalks from MD 710 (E Ordnance Road) to Walton Avenue - $341,194

The project includes design for reconstructing non-compliant sidewalks and installing new ADA-compliant sidewalks along both sides of MD 2 for the entire project limits. This project will also include intersection reconstruction, as needed, to facilitate pedestrian crossings.

MD 450 (Baltimore – Annapolis Blvd/King George Street) from College Creek Bridge to USNA Bridge - $309,540

The project includes the design of bicycle and pedestrian facilities along MD 450/King George Street and MD 435 to Taylor Avenue. The proposed improvements include constructing a new sidewalk or shared-use path, reconstructing the existing sidewalk to meet ADA standards, upgrading signs and pavement markings, pedestrian signal upgrades, installing drainage and stormwater management facilities, and landscaping.

Bel Air Aberdeen Area Street Light LED Conversions - $400,000

Harford County will replace existing, older-generation streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs, accelerating an ongoing multi-year project.

Carroll County Level III Charger and EVs - $238,400

Carroll County will design, purchase, and install one electric vehicle charger at the County Office Building and purchase three electric vehicles to replace three gasoline-fueled fleet vehicles. The project will be the starting point for transitioning the County’s fleet assets to zero-emission vehicles.

In addition, the BRTB approved the FY 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TA Set-Aside) projects in a competitive process, totaling $4.7 million. This program funds various smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trails, safe routes to school (SRTS), community improvements, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation.

The following are the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program projects approved for funding:

Bluewater Boulevard Shared-Use Path - $708,000

MD 175 to Bluewater Boulevard: This project would construct a 10-foot wide shared-use path along Bluewater Boulevard to connect two existing shared-use paths. Completing this approximately 0.5-mile segment from the MD 175 sidepath to an existing sidepath on Bluewater Boulevard would complete a significant piece of the bicycle and pedestrian spine network, providing regional connections via the WB&A Trail into Prince George’s County and, ultimately, Washington DC. Closing the gap would also allow a large population to make short trips to many destinations via bicycle, including Ft. Meade, commercial areas on MD 175, Arundel Mills Mall, and ultimately BWI Airport.

Rails to Trail Crossing MD 27 - $600,000

Watkins Park to Center Street: This project would design a trail connection from Watkins Park to Center Street by crossing MD 27. The trail would connect with an existing rails-to-trails segment and a future extension of Center Street. The project length is approximately 150 feet. The project aims to transform the decommissioned railway tracks into a multi-use trail, enhancing connectivity and providing recreational opportunities for the community. The trail's starting point at Watkins Park is a strategic location, offering easy access to park amenities and serving as a central hub for trail users.

Safe Routes to School Cecil Elementary - $177,610

Between East 22nd Street, Kirk Avenue and Cecil Avenue: This project would conduct a planning study to determine needed intersection improvements and enhancements such as mid-block traffic calming and intersection realignments to improve the safety and multi-modal travel to and from the school and area recreational facilities. The project's length is approximately 3,000 feet. The enhancements will focus on curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances, improved crosswalk markings, back angle parking, and road restriping.

Bloomsbury Crossing - $579,305

The intersection of Asylum Lane and Bloomsbury Avenue: The project will fund the construction of an at-grade crossing on Bloomsbury Avenue for the Short Line Trail, a pedestrian/bicycle trail in the former right-of-way of the Short Line Railroad in Catonsville. The crossing of Bloomsbury Avenue is a critical link in the trail's completion as it will connect the eastern and western sections of the trail.

Baltimore Greenway Trails Network – Druid Hill Park to Lake Montebello - $2,000,000

East Drive to Hillen Road: This project would design a 2.8-mile long trail between Lake Montebello and Druid Park Lake Drive, leading to a new bicycle and pedestrian connection to key transit routes, job centers, schools, and other points of interest.

Jones Fall Gateway - $497,200

Along Falls Road/Lanvale Street from the CSX bridge north of West North Ave overpass to Charles Street: This project will complete the design for a 0.5-mile long segment of the Jones Falls Trail on the south side of Falls Road along with a planted separator and street lighting. This trail segment would replace the current Jones Falls Trail segment, which has maintenance needs and is unsafe, accessible, or inviting. Trail users are forced to traverse Falls Road multiple times and navigate unsafe routes under railroad and vehicular bridges to reach the Penn Station transit hub and point south. This trail segment will create an enhanced, accessible, and contiguous shared-use path connection to the area around Penn Station, which is currently under redevelopment and soon to be a state-designated transit-oriented development district.

Connecting Communities to Schools Across US 40 - $120,000

Havre de Grace Elementary/Middle/High Schools to the west side of US 40: This feasibility project would identify the potential for pedestrian and bicycle paths in two locations. The first location would start at Greenway Farms subdivision, connect to Lewis Lane using a combination of public/private connections through subdivisions, internally from Greenway Farms Subdivision, Peace Chance Drive - Bulle Rock Subdivision proposed Lampson Subdivision and Bayview Subdivision to Lewis Lane and ultimately across US 40 to the Middle/High school and Elementary school. The second location would start at Bulle Rock Parkway-roundabout along Chapel Road down to the US 40 intersection and ultimately to Middle/High school and Elementary school, while also connecting to adjacent Havre de Hills and Grace Manor Subdivision along Lori/Lewis Lane, both of which are a combination of public and private ROW, open space and sidewalks. The primary focus would be on the improvements in the US 40 intersections for enhanced safety, among others, due to the feasibility studies for bicycle and pedestrian crossings.

Contact: Andrea Jackson
Phone: 410-732-9574
Email: ajackson@baltometro.org
 

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Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.

BMC operates its programs and services without regard to race, color or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other applicable laws. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.