FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 7, 2018
$20 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT AWARDED FOR
I-95/BELVIDERE ROAD INTERCHANGE
BALTIMORE, MD – The U.S. Department of Transportation awarded a $20 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Discretionary Grant for the I-95 at Belvidere Road Interchange Project. The project in Cecil County is a partnership between the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), Cecil County and Stewart Property Management, Inc., in coordination with the Federal Highway Administration.
“Our administration is committed to expanding Maryland’s transportation network, and these projects will support thousands of new jobs and spur economic growth and development in every corner of our state,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “I want to thank Secretary Elaine Chao and her team at the U.S. Department of Transportation for working with us to get these critical projects moving.”
The proposed enhancements would improve truck access to I-95 and support development within the Principio Business Park in the near future and longer term. The Principio Business Park is projected to generate more than $560 million in revenue for Cecil County during the next 20 years. Cecil County listed the proposed I-95/Belvidere Road interchange as its top transportation priority.
“The BUILD Grant presents a timely opportunity to build this critical infrastructure improvement by reconstructing the interchange,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary and MDTA Chairman Pete K. Rahn.
The total economic impact of the proposed interchange is significant, potentially yielding between 8,300 and 10,600 jobs that are directly related to existing and planned distribution, warehousing, manufacturing and retail businesses within the Cecil County Principio Enterprise Zone and adjacent development.
“Cecil County is excited about receiving this $20 million BUILD grant for developing a new I-95 interchange at Belvidere Road in North East,” said County Executive Alan McCarthy. “With this interchange, and recent designation as a federal Opportunity Zone, Principio is poised to become one of the most significant business parks on the East Coast.”
The I-95 at Belvidere Road Interchange Project met the following BUILD Grant criteria: safety, economic competitiveness, quality of life, environmental protection, state of good repair, innovation, partnership and additional non-Federal revenue for infrastructure investments.
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process for the I-95 at Belvidere Road Study is underway. An informational public open house will be held January 17, 2019. Final approval of the NEPA document is expected to be completed in fall 2019/winter 2020. Project information can be found at mdta.maryland.gov.
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