In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated.
“Certified jurisdiction” means a local government that has been certified by the Department in accordance with § 8–905 of this subtitle.
“Complete streets” means streets that provide accommodations for users of multiple modes of transportation.
“Complete streets design features” has the meaning stated in § 2–112 of this article.
“Complete streets policy” means a law, a bylaw, an ordinance, or an administrative policy adopted by a local government in accordance with § 8–905 of this subtitle.
“Eligible project” means a local government or State highway, street, or road retrofit project that includes the addition of or significant repair to facilities that provide access for users of multiple modes of transportation.
“Green stormwater infrastructure” means infrastructure implemented using best management practices that reduce the volume of stormwater runoff through infiltration, evapotranspiration, the beneficial reuse of water, or any other effective method.
“Local government” means a county or municipality in the State.
“Program” means the Complete Streets Program established under this subtitle.
There is a competitive matching grant program within the Department known as the “Complete Streets Program”.
The purpose of the Program is to provide matching grants to certified jurisdictions to encourage:
The regular and routine inclusion of complete streets design features and infrastructure during the planning, design, construction, and reconstruction of new or existing locally funded roads;
The adoption of urban retrofit street ordinances designed to provide safe access to users of multiple modes of transportation; and
The development of ranking systems for complete streets projects that consider the needs of underinvested and underserved communities in specific geographic regions of the State.
The goals of the Program are to:
Promote healthy communities by encouraging the use of multiple modes of transportation other than single–occupancy motor vehicles;
Improve safety by designing streets to include design features such as:
Wider sidewalks;
Dedicated bike facilities;
Medians;
Pedestrian streetscape design features; and
Green stormwater infrastructure;
Protect the environment and improve water quality by using green stormwater infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff from rights–of–way;
Reduce congestion by providing safe alternatives to single–occupancy motor vehicle driving;
Preserve community character by:
Involving local and diverse communities and stakeholders in planning, prioritization, and design decisions; and
Facilitating access to retail stores that provide healthy foods and other necessities, especially in food deserts designated under § 6–308(c) of the Housing and Community Development Article; and
Provide for the equitable distribution of complete streets funds that takes into consideration the needs of underinvested and underserved communities in specific geographic regions of the State.
Funds for the Program shall be as provided by the Governor in the State budget.
A local government that has adopted a complete streets policy in accordance with subsection (b) of this section may apply to the Department for designation as a certified jurisdiction.
A complete streets policy adopted by a local government shall:
Identify the body, entity, or individual responsible for implementing the Program;
Require the development of procedures to follow when conducting local road repairs, upgrades, or expansion projects to incorporate complete streets design features;
Facilitate projects to achieve the goals established under § 8–903(b) of this subtitle;
Require the establishment of a review process for private development proposals to ensure complete streets components are incorporated into new construction according to terms specified by the local government;
Set a 5–year goal for an increased mode share of specified modes of transportation other than single–occupancy motor vehicles;
Require the development of a program to meet the goal established under item (v) of this paragraph;
Comply with any other requirements that the Department considers necessary; and
Be approved by the Department.
A local government shall hold at least one public hearing prior to the adoption of a complete streets policy.
A certified jurisdiction may:
Apply for matching grants from the Program; and
Use matching grant funds only for costs associated with:
The implementation of the complete streets policy, including the development and updates of policies, ordinances, procedures, and design manuals; and
The design and planning of eligible projects.
A certified jurisdiction that receives a matching grant shall:
Maintain and update its complete streets policy;
Coordinate with the Department to confirm the accuracy of the baseline inventory of pedestrian and bicycle accommodations to identify priority projects;
Submit an annual progress report to the Department, in a form and manner prescribed by the Department; and
Comply with any other requirements that the Department considers necessary.
The Secretary shall adopt regulations to carry out this subtitle.
On or before December 31 each year, the Department shall submit a report to the Senate Finance Committee, Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, House Appropriations Committee, House Environment and Transportation Committee, and Baltimore City Delegation to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, on the status of the Program.
The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall include:
The status of any grant projects funded by the Program; and
A discussion of whether there is a need to reevaluate the Program to ensure that it is meeting the goals stated in § 8–903(b) of this subtitle.
The report required under subsection (a) of this section shall be made available on the Department’s website.