06/30/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/30/2022 10:02
"The Highway to Nowhere has divided West Baltimore for decades - displacing nearly 1,500 residents over time. The opening of this grant application marks the next step in our efforts to remove harmful infrastructure and bring people together instead of holding our communities back. We'll be working alongside the City to secure this grant funding and create a plan to finally rid West Baltimore of the Highway to Nowhere - a clear example of inequitable infrastructure and its lasting negative impacts on communities," said the lawmakers.
Preference will be given to applications from economically disadvantaged communities, especially those with projects that are focused on equity and environmental justice, have strong community engagement and stewardship, and a commitment to shared prosperity and equitable development. Of the $1 billion available from the grant program over the next 5 years, $195 million will be available this year and $50 million will be dedicated to planning activities for communities that may be earlier in the process.
The Reconnecting Communities Notice of Funding Opportunity announced today can be found here. Information on Reconnecting Communities technical assistance and other resources can be found here. Applications are due October 13, 2022. Awards are expected to be announced in early 2023. The new DOT Navigator can be accessed here and information on the Thriving Communities program can be found here.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act invests more than $7 billion directly in Maryland's infrastructure, creating greater equity, good-paying American jobs, and safer roads, bridges, transit systems, and more.