BALTIMORE, MD (June 13, 2024) – PUBLIC NOTICE: Request for Public Comment Section 4(f) of the US Department of Transportation Act – de minimis Finding

Patapsco Regional Greenway Elkridge to Guinness Segment

What is being planned?

Baltimore County Department of Public Works & Transportation, in partnership with Howard County Office of Transportation and with support from the Baltimore Metropolitan Council proposes construction of a new 10-12 foot wide hard-surface trail, approximately 1.5 miles in length from Guinness Open Gate Brewery to the town of Elkridge. The trail will be situated between I-895 and the Patapsco River, utilizing a boardwalk through forested floodplain and wetlands before crossing the Patapsco River via one 290-foot bicycle and pedestrian bridge. The trail will continue onto Main Street using sharrows to direct bicycles and pedestrians to Levering Avenue in historic downtown Elkridge. The work will include required stormwater management facilities, barriers between the trail and high-tensile electrical towers, improvements to existing pedestrian crossings at US 1 and Levering Avenue, and improvements to sidewalks on Levering Avenue between US 1 and Main Street. All disturbed land will be replanted with native groundcover and trees will be mitigated in accordance with DNR requirements. The trail would be open from dawn to dusk and will not include lighting. The trail will provide safer travel for pedestrians and bicyclists in the project area and fill an existing gap in the regional trail system.

Why this public notice?

Section 4(f) of 23 CFR 774.5(b), which seeks to protect publicly owned public parklands, recreation areas, waterfowl and wildlife refuges, and significant historic sites from impacts – the “use” of these resources – by US Department of Transportation actions.

It allows the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to determine that certain transportation uses will not adversely affect the protected land. With respect to publicly owned parks and recreation areas, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) may determine a finding of de minimis impact may occur if a transportation project does not “adversely affect the activities, features and attributes” of the resource. When this is the case, FHWA requires the written concurrence from the officials with jurisdiction of the resource, and public notice and opportunity for public review and comment is required.

What are the impacts to protected resources?

In order to complete the project, an easement would be required from two parcels of the Patapsco Valley State park in Baltimore County, resulting in 8,494.2 square feet / 0.195 acre of permanent impacts and 36,721 square feet / 0.843 acre of temporary impacts for construction access and construction of the hard-surface shared-use trail along with buffer space, tree removal and stormwater management, erosion, or sediment control measures.

Although a portion of the Patapsco Regional State Park would constitute a “use” as defined under Section 4(f), we anticipate no negative impact on its features, attributes and attributes that qualify the recreation area for protection. Through this notice, Baltimore County is advising the public that it will request that FHWA make a de minimis (or minor) impact finding in accordance with Section 4(f).

How do I comment?

Please contact Anna Marshall, Baltimore Metropolitan Council at amarshall@baltometro.org or 410-732-0500 by June 28th.

###

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. 

Leer en español.