Jones Falls Trail update

[David Conn]

Dear Neighbors,

• Earlier this year Baltimore City submitted a revised application to
the State Highway Administration’s Transportation Enhancement Program
(TEP) for funds to continue the design and ultimately to construct
Phase V of the Jones Falls Trail. Phase V is due to run from the
Cylburn Arboretum through Mt. Washington, to end at the Mt. Washington
Light Rail Station. A sixth phase would extend the trail from there
to Robert E. Lee park.
• On April 22 the TEP Executive Committee sent a letter to the City
that states:
o The Committee reaffirmed its support for the Jones Falls
Trail;
o TEP does not have the funds for Phase V at this time, but
anticipates that federal funds will be available next year;
o It is anticipated that funds will be available for Phase V
prior to the City’s planned Spring 2011 advertisement date for
contractors;
o TEP encouraged the City to continue its design efforts to keep
the project on its current timetable;
o TEP also encouraged the City to use the funds already awarded
and proceed with design and advertisement for Phase IV of the Jones
Falls Trail ($2 million), and the Herring Run Trail ($1.8 million).
• Gennady Schwartz of the City’s Department of Recreation and Parks
has since confirmed that the City will move forward with further
design on Phase V of the Trail. He needs to bring a consultant on
board, and will begin meeting with the community in September.