$400k grant supports design of new circulation trail at UMES

PRINCESS ANNE, Md.- $400,000 is headed to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for the design of a new circulation trail. The money comes from Maryland Department of Transportation’s Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program.

University officials said they wanted to create a trail so students could get from one end of campus to the other safely. Currently, students have to walk on the outskirts of campus right next to traffic. Other goals of the project are to increase physical activity and mental health and connect with the greater community.  “That’s very important. We really believe in being good stewards and community members. This is a way that something UMES is doing can not only benefit our community, but Princess Anne and Somerset County at large,” Vice President of Administration & Finance Anastasia Rodriguez said.  

UMES said this funding will support design and engineering, which is expected to be developed within the next 12 to 18 months. Once completed, the university would go back to MDOT to request additional funding to support construction.

The university is just one of 18 other projects statewide with a total of $4.7 million invested.