Maryland Taps Transportation Enhancements for Easton Rail Trail
A federal Transportation Enhancements (TE) grant and funding support from the Maryland Bikeways Program has allowed the town of Easton in eastern Maryland to finally build a rail-trail that has been on the town's comprehensive plan for 15 years.
The Star Democrat wrote this week that Gov. Martin O'Malley had approved funding for the Easton Rail Spur Line project that will connect to the existing Easton Rail-Trail and extend the network another 2.3 miles.
"Constructing the Easton Rail Spur Line will provide opportunities for Maryland's families, residents and visitors to explore and enjoy our great state's natural and cultural treasures," O'Malley said.
The mayor of Easton, Robert C. Willey, says the new trail will not only encourage more ridership by local families, but would also be an asset for tourism in this town on the eastern shores of Chesapeake Bay.
The Maryland Bikeways Program is behind some major bike/ped projects coming up in the next 12 months, including construction of the Baltimore city downtown cycletrack and bike network, and connecting the Anacostia Tributary Trail in Prince George's County with the Washington D.C. River Trail.
