Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced that the County’s Office of Transportation has been awarded a more than $500,000 grant to support construction of a 5.6 mile bike and pedestrian pathway between Savage and Laurel.

The grant comes from the Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program within the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), and will allow the county to construct a connection between the Patuxent Branch Trail trailhead at Savage Park and the North Laurel Community Center, continuing to the Laurel Race Track MARC Station and the Laurel MARC Station.

From the press release:

“As we celebrate ‘Bike to Work Week’ this week, this grant is welcome news as we work to expand our reliable and accessible infrastructure in Howard County,” said Ball. “These improvements will help riders and walkers get to work, school, transit, and provide easier access for residents just out for a recreational ride. We know that these critical connections will be beneficial not only to our Laurel and Savage communities but improve the quality of life of all our residents.”

The Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program provides grant funding for bicycle and pedestrian paths that can connect pedestrians to public transportation, shopping, and work. It especially helps develop connections between the existing network of bike paths.

View the full list of awards.