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DOT LadderSTEP helping reconnect West Baltimore

DOT LadderSTEP helping reconnect West Baltimore

I represent those who write "Baltimore, Maryland," as their address. And when making decisions for the city, I must keep in mind over 600,000 people --a daunting burden to some. So, you can imagine my excitement when we had the chance to partner with DOT’s Transportation Empowerment Pilot Program, LadderSTEP to ensure those same 600,000 men, women, and children have transportation access...no matter their neighborhood. 

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake in West Baltimore

Working in a multi-agency team effort, we can truly have a meaningful impact on the lives of many through concerted and deliberate efforts such as our Re-Connect West Baltimore Project. Because transportation is such an integral part of upward mobility and connecting communities to jobs, the City of Baltimore is trying to “re-connect” neighborhoods in West Baltimore North and South of US 40 that were severely impacted by the “Highway to Nowhere.”

If you're not familiar with Baltimore, you might not know that by building US 40 right through several neighborhoods, planners physically divided communities and all but isolated them in every way from the city's commercial, cultural, and educational opportunities.

West Baltimore isolated by US 40

Now, more than 50 years later, Re-Connect West Baltimore is a $4 million project expected to begin this spring. The project is focused on enhancements to the Fulton Avenue Bridge.  Improvements will include landscaping and significant streetscape elements such as benches, planters, litter receptacles, exercise equipment, and installation of a shared bike and pedestrian path.  To encourage West Baltimore residents to use the Fulton Avenue Bridge as a gateway over US 40, the project will also reconfigure lanes, upgrade signals, and add ADA improvements. We are doing this and more to finally create a vibrant, safe passage across US 40.

While projects like Re-Connect West Baltimore are not uncommon, this project is unique because of our partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation. The City of Baltimore’s participation in LadderSTEP has enabled us to use Federal funds.  It also allows the City to adhere to our local hiring program. The Local Labor Hiring Pilot Program is designed to encourage local hiring on the Re-Connect West Baltimore Project through incentives of up to $100,000.00 for contractors to employ Baltimore City residents on projects that serve Baltimore City residents.

LadderSTEP has allowed the Re-Connect West Baltimore Project to create a gateway for communities North and South of US 40. A gateway that will further opportunity for economic advancement -for those who are likely to build it as well as those who will use it. We are pleased to partner with DOT and Secretary Foxx's LadderSTEP initiative to re-connect West Baltimore.

Sincerely, 

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Mayor

The City of Baltimore

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