Council approves application for federal funds to upgrade Metropolitan Branch Trail segment

The City Council approved a resolution authorizing staff to submit a federal community project funding request (an earmark) for improvements to Takoma Park's roughly half-mile portion of the Metropolitan Branch Trail.

Devin McNally of Housing and Community Development explained the request is for construction dollars to widen the trail into a full shared-use path, add lighting and address required stormwater infrastructure tied to the work. She said the project's overall cost is roughly $2 million and that there is no federal matching requirement for the earmark; the city has also submitted a Legislative Bond Initiative (LBI) request for $500,000 through the state to help close the funding gap.

Council moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by voice vote. The mayor noted that passing a resolution in support of the earmark is helpful as staff coordinates with the city's state legislative advocate on related state-level funding proposals.

Why it matters: The Met Branch Trail is a regional walking and biking corridor; upgrades in Takoma Park would improve safety, accessibility and stormwater management for a segment that connects to Silver Spring and the district.

What's next: Staff will submit the earmark request by the deadline and continue design work for presentation to council in June; staff will pursue construction funding from combined federal, state and local sources.