Solar panels on top of BWI Marshall Airport’s daily parking garage (MDOT/David Trozzo)
From maritime commerce moving up and down the Chesapeake Bay to recreational activities like hiking in mountain Maryland or catching a wave in Ocean City, Maryland’s natural resources are among the state’s greatest assets. As the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland, protecting our natural resources and furthering our environmental stewardship is a key priority for MDOT. This Earth Month, we are highlighting several department projects and programs that are designed to protect the environment, support sustainable practices and further progress towards a variety of environmental goals in the state. Below are just a few ways MDOT is working towards a greener and healthier future:
The MDOT Urban Tree Program
Communities have been awarded funding from the MDOT Urban Tree Grant Program to support the planting of nearly 4,200 trees across the state. Started in 2021, this unique program provides funding for community tree plantings, which can help to absorb carbon emissions, cool urban communities, improve local air quality and reduce stormwater run-off. The program also supports the Maryland Five Million Trees initiative. Applications for grant funding are open year-round. You can learn more about the application process on the program’s webpage.
Tree planting at an elementary school in Baltimore City (MDOT)
Solar Infrastructure Investment
MDOT is partnering with the Maryland Energy Administration to launch a major solar infrastructure investment. The partnership will advance the state’s climate goals of achieving net-zero emissions by 2045. Through the Solar Accelerator Program, MDOT will invest $50 million to develop solar arrays across 25 sites, generating up to 35 megawatts of clean power across more than 100 acres of parking lots and brownfields statewide. This would reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by 570,500 metric tons over 20 years. Look out for a request for proposals later this year!
Pedestrian and Bicyclist Infrastructure
Biking and walking are the most sustainable forms of transportation. MDOT’s historic investment of over $540 million for bicycle and pedestrian projects is underway. With this funding, MDOT is making it easier for those who walk, bike and roll by constructing sidewalks and bike lanes along State-owned roads and by awarding grants to local jurisdictions. The Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program, which supports the design and construction of bicycle facilities across Maryland, has awarded more than $42 million to 256 projects, since its inception in 2012. These projects range from the design and construction of new shared-use paths to “quick build” improvements that make existing facilities safer. Applications for the next round of grant funding will open in April and run through May 31. Visit the program’s webpage to learn more information.
A bike ride in Baltimore City on Bike to Work Day (MDOT SHA/Adam Shinn)
Flood Awareness Month
April is also Flood Awareness Month in Maryland as flooding is one of the most impactful natural hazards in the state. The Maryland Resiliency Partnership is a collaboration of public and private partners working to improve resiliency for communities surrounding flood and climate hazards. Through the partnership, MDOT works alongside state and local partners to educate Marylanders on the dangers of flooding, identify ways for people to stay safe and invest in projects that can reduce flood risk to the transportation system and all users.
You can help keep yourself safe during flood events by keeping the following tips in mind:
- Make an emergency plan and prepare before a flood happens.
- Never drive through flooded waters – just 12 inches of fast-moving water can carry a small car.
- Stay up to date on roadway conditions with SHA’s CHART.
- Review service disruptions for MTA Transit Service and sign up for service alerts.
- Check out the Maryland Resiliency Partnership website for more helpful flood related tips and resources.
Through MDOT’s historic investments in expanding renewable energy generation, EV infrastructure, through their grant programs that support expanding tree canopy and bike and pedestrian facilities, and in the services provided during flood events – MDOT shows our commitment to environmental stewardship year-round through intentional action.
We take Earth Month and Flood Awareness Month to recognize the programs and staff that support the critical work MDOT does to protect our environmental resources, ensure the safety of all Marylanders and that works collectively to help MDOT to become the greenest state department of transportation in the country.
Nicholas Kurtz is a climate resilience analyst with the Maryland Department of Transportation