The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) awarded $1,600,000 to MDOT. The Rethinking the I-68 Viaduct: A Plan to Reconnect Cumberland will support a Planning and
Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study of the Interstate 68 Viaduct in Cumberland. This project is an opportunity to determine how to reshape the interstate to help Cumberland grow, retain its historic character and improve recreational opportunities and quality of life.
The Maryland Clean
Energy Center, in coordination with multiple partners, received over $33.5 million to install EV charging at 29 sites to build out charging along an existing Alternative Fuel Corridor, increasing EV charging access in rural, urban, and disadvantaged communities. The project includes workforce development and job creation with an EV charging franchise model and EV crowdfunding pilot, and coordinates with IBEW Local 24 to develop apprentices and journeymen to installation and maintain the EV
charging sites.
If you have a recently awarded project that you would like to highlight in the next newsletter, reach out to us!
September Updates
Recently Submitted Grants
Under the
Pollinator-Friendly Practices (PFP) on Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Discretionary Grant Program, the State Highway Administration (SHA) submitted for the Planning, Development and Implementation of Pollinator-Friendly Practices on Maryland Roadsides and Highway Rights-of-Way Project, which is funded will enable SHA to implement, improve and further develop the 2016 Maryland Pollinator Habitat Plan that aims to establish pollinator habitat plans for lands owned or managed
by SHA.
Under the Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Program, SHA submitted the Reckless Speed Warning Initiative Project, which, if funded, will enable SHA to deploy Altumint’s Viocam technology and Vioview software. By integrating cutting-edge intelligent sensors and artificial
intelligence (AI), MDOT can achieve improvements in safety, resiliency and environmental sustainability.
Under the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant Program, MDOT submitted the I-95 Corridor Alternative Fueling Readiness Assessment for the Medium/Heavy-Duty Vehicle Fleeting in Maryland project. If funded, it
will provide a detailed assessment of potential community sites for electric vehicle charging and alternative fueling infrastructure deployment.
For more information about the projects submitted by MDOT, visit our webpage for more information.
Recently Kicked
Off Projects
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) kicked off construction at the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge Replacement project. Thanks to President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this project will build faster and
more reliable train service along the Northeast Corridor. Maryland is a partner with Amtrak on this project.
Recently Completed Project
The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) has recently completed the rehabilitation of two sections of the Chestertown Line, located in Kent County, Maryland. The rehabilitation of the first section of the project included the replacement of rail, crossties, ballast and drainage improvements at the “Worton Curve” near Worton. The second section of the project included the replacement of rail,
crossties, ballast, drainage improvements and the replacement of a deteriorated switch serving the Eastman Specialties facility at Worton. The completed project addressed safety concerns and extended the life cycle of track to support continued safe operation of the Chestertown Line.
The $5 million project was funded partially through a Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) discretionary grant (awarded in 2020) and with matching funds provided by MTA, the Maryland Department of Commerce, the County Commissioners of Kent
County, the Maryland and Delaware Railroad (MDDE), the Delmarva Central Railroad and Eastman Specialties Corporation.
MTA managed and directed the successful implementation of the project in partnership with both MDOT and MDDE. Throughout the project’s duration, the project partners were able to continuously provide one-day per week service to the
Eastman Specialties facility while completing the improvements.
New Grant Resources
We would like to highlight the USDOT Key Notices of Funding Opportunity Tracker. It has recently been updated to reflect new anticipated
opening dates for key programs. Timelines are subject to change. One highlighted program anticipated to open in September 2024 is:
FHWA: Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient and Cost-saving Transportation (PROTECT) - Opening September
2024.
Please let us know if we can coordinate with you or partner on an application.
Open Federal IIJA Opportunities
FHWA:Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program - Considerations for FY24-25 funding due September 4, 2024. Considerations for FY26 funding due August 1, 2025.
FHWA:Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) - Consideration for FY23 Funds due September 23, 2024. Considerations for FY24 Funds due August 25, 2025. Considerations for FY25 Funds due August 24, 2026. Considerations for FY26 Funds due August 23, 2027.
FHWA:Bridge Investment Program (Planning & Bridge Projects) - Considerations for FY25 funds due October 1, 2024 (Planning) and November 1, 2024 (Bridge Projects). Considerations for FY26 funds due October 1, 2025 (Planning) and November 1, 2025 (Bridge Projects).
If you are representing a local entity and interested in receiving a letter of support from MDOT for a current or anticipated project, please fill out this request form and reach out to Sean Winkler at swinkler1@mdot.maryland.gov or
410-865-1158.
Upcoming Meetings & Events
Join Kari Snyder, Regional Planner of the Office of Planning, Programming, and Project Delivery, on November 21 from 1-2 p.m. to learn about the State Transportation Improvement Program (STIP)/ Transportation Improvement
Program (TIP) Process.
We want to support you! Reach out to discuss your capital priorities, federal funding opportunities and how we can work together. Please visit the MDOT IIJA Federal
Discretionary Grant Information website to learn more or to view previous newsletter editions by clicking the button below. Email MDOTPlanning@mdot.maryland.gov with any questions or general inquiries.
