Bikeways Grant FAQ's
[B' Spokes: Before I share the following email I have a pop quiz for you all: How does one become a Priority Funding Area? No idea? Congrats, that's the correct answer!
While I was really impressed with the out reach for MDOT Trails Plan, MDOT's Priority Funding Areas is a whole other matter. As far as I can tell it's totally top secret with no public comments allowed, or it's just a simple matter that no one really bothers to set these things up, as only in rare occasions have I seen the term actually used for a project and even then it seems to be more of a perk to give a developer then anything else, and that's not right.
High pedestrian fatality rates, really low bike modal share numbers, these do not seem to be enough to make a Priority Funding Area. [heavy sigh]
But there is hope with the County Priority Letter; start writing your County's Exec to prioritize your bike projects, (though still annoying this is outside the normal planning processes.)
And please remember, a simple Bike Master Plan is not enough to get funding.]
Hi all,
As a reminder, the new Bikeways program is accepting
applications for funding through May 4. Information and application materials
are at www.cycle.maryland.gov
Many of you may be getting questions from potential
applicants, or may be suggesting that local governments consider applying. I’ve
compiled a few key pieces of info to help with initial screening and questions
from potential applicants. You can continue to direct questions to me, but I
thought this would be helpful.
What types of projects can be funded?
The program is pretty broad, and can help fund almost any
bike project for general public use. On-road facilities and off-road trails;
Local and state roads (though most state road projects will be handled through
bike retrofit, system preservation, etc.)
Is (blank) project eligible for Bikeways
funding?
To be eligible for Bikeways funding, a project must
be:
-
Located substantially (80%) within the Priority Funding Area
(PFA), and/or
-
Located within ½ mile of a rail transit station, and/or
-
Addressing a gap identified in the MDOT Trails Plan A Greener Way
to Go, and/or
-
Identified as a transportation priority in a County’s most recent
annual priority letter submitted to MDOT
We have created an online map showing these areas that can be
accessed from the webpage with the application materials. If a project is not
covered by any of these criteria, then it will not be considered for Bikeways
funding.
Are local road projects eligible?
Yes, as long as the project falls within an eligible area
listed above.
What types of projects are likely to receive
funding?
This is a new program, so we don’t know how competitive it is
likely to be this year. Projects that have the greatest potential to improve
bicycling as a transportation option will be rated the highest. So, for example,
projects that provide access to transit and connections to employers, schools
and other destinations will be favored. In addition, projects that are included
in the MDOT Trails Plan will be rated highly.
Who can apply?
Local governments, state agencies, MPOs, RPOs, transit
entities, and federal public lands agencies. Private and non-profit
organizations can not apply directly, but they can partner with an eligible
applicant.
What is the required match?
The required matching fund level varies from 0 to 80%
depending on the location and type of a particular project.
The first step is to determine if a project falls within a
bikeways priority area. We have created an online map showing the priority
areas. They include:
-
Rail transit station areas (within ½ mile)
-
Planned missing links in MDOT Trails Plan
-
Sustainable Community Areas (designated by DHCD)
-
Maryland Main Streets
-
Central business districts (not an official designation, but
evidenced by land uses) and major institutions
-
(e.g. universities, major hospitals)
-
Census tract(s) at or below 60% of Area Median Income
The next step is to look at the type of project. Match rates
are as follows:
|
|
In Bikeways Priority Area |
Not in Bikeways Priority Area |
|
Minor Retrofit (up to $100,000 for signing, pavement
markings, etc) |
0% |
50% |
|
Feasibility Assessment/Planning |
20% |
50% |
|
Design |
20% |
50% |
|
Construction |
70% |
80% |
There are not hard and fast rules about soft match, cash
match, what can count toward match, etc. Projects with stronger cash match will
be more competitive for funding.
Is this federal money?
No, it’s 100% state money. So it can be used toward an
Enhancements grant match.
Please continue encouraging local governments to apply –
getting word out about the new program is critical to its success!! Please also
filter back any feedback or concerns you are hearing to me.
Thank you,
Kate
Kate R.
Sylvester
Office of Planning and Capital
Programming
Maryland Department of
Transportation (MDOT)
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