anchor Description
This project provides design and construction of improvements to the hard surface trail system and connectors on parkland. Improvements may include, but are not limited to, pavements, site amenities (i.e. drinking fountains, benches, bike racks, bike repair stations, trailheads, etc.), safety improvements, skills facilities, rehabilitations, bridges and boardwalks, barriers, accessibility and drainage improvements, grading, site work, signage, etc. and are often combined with other projects.
anchorCost Change
Cost change due to the addition of FY29 and FY30 to this ongoing project, and additional funding required to match federal grants to renovate existing trails like Sligo Creek and Northwest Branch Trails with cost increases related to this new work.
anchor Justification
Connectors, safety improvements, signage, and amenities increase trail usage for recreation and promote walking and biking as alternatives to vehicular transportation. In park user surveys, hiking and biking on trails is the most frequent recreation activity reported. Biking and walking paths top respondents' lists of desired facilities or greatest facility shortages. 2016 Countywide Park Trails Plan, 2017 Park, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
anchorFiscal Note
Prior year partial capitalization of expenditures through FY16 totaled $11,542,000. FY15 Supplemental Appropriation for developer contribution of $900,000. FY15 transferred out $300,000 of GO bonds to Brookside Gardens Master Plan, #078702.
anchorDisclosures
Expenditures will continue indefinitely.
anchorCoordination
State of Maryland, Montgomery County Department of Transportation, Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission and other utilities, Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Trails: Hard Surface Renovation PDF 888754, Municipal Governments, Montgomery County Department of Permitting Services