ANNAPOLIS, MD (October 31, 2002) - Demonstrating his commitment to pedestrian and bicycle safety, enhancing recreational opportunities and Smart Growth, Governor Parris N. Glendening today announced approval of $477,000 in federal enhancement funds to construct a new pedestrian/bicycle trail in Queen Anne's County. The new MD 8 Corridor Hiker-Biker Trail will provide a 10-foot wide paved path that will follow a north-south route between the Matapeake Park Complex and the Romancoke Pier on Kent Island. Extending more than six miles, it will provide safe pedestrian and bicycle access along MD 8, a major corridor with no existing accommodation for non-vehicular traffic.
"The new MD 8 hiker-biker trail is a great project for the Eastern Shore," said Governor Glendening. "The new trail will greatly add to Maryland's transportation network, allowing residents better, safer access to nearby schools and parks, as well as a great opportunity to safely explore the treasures of the Eastern Shore."
The new MD 8 Corridor Trail will complement the Cross Island Trail, an east-west trail, completed earlier this spring, and also funded in part by the State. The popularity of the Cross Island Trail, which has become the county's most consistently used park, fueled planning for the north-south trail along MD 8.
"Expanding and improving our trail system is just one way we are making Maryland a better place to live for families around the State," said Lt. Governor Townsend. "This new trail will provide community links to other towns and trail systems, promoting recreation, tourism, and the oldest form of transportation - walking," The new trail will connect 12 residential developments with Mowbray Park, the new Matapeake Park-School complex, Batt Neck Park and the Romancoke Wharf and County Park, and other community structures.
"We greatly appreciate the investment in the trail that parallels MD 8. We believe it will be a great success as the Cross Island Trail has been. It is a great recreation asset, with no right-of-way cost; the land ownership has been generous," said George M. O' Donnell, President of the Queen Anne's County Commissioners.
The federal funds are provided through the Maryland Department of Transportation's Transportation Enhancement Program, administered by the State Highway Administration. In order to qualify for transportation enhancement awards, the sponsor must provide a portion of the project's total cost. The goal of the federal enhancement program is to assist localities in developing transportation amenities such as hiker-biker trails, scenic easements, historic highway programs, visitors' centers, landscaping and historic preservation projects.
Posted: 11-6-2002
