In order to facilitate community engagement for Project Connect, a planned 13.9-acre mixed-use development next to the North Bethesda Metro Station, the Maryland Department of Transportation awarded a $250,000 grant to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation. As the County collaborates with WMATA and MDOT to create a transit-oriented center that includes housing, retail, and enhanced transit and pedestrian access, the cash will support outreach initiatives.
According to the press release, the Maryland Department of Transportation granted $250,000 to the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to assist in the creation of a mixed-use transit development project in North Bethesda. In order to promote public input for the project design, the grant will support community outreach initiatives.
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich stated, “We will use this grant money to help build a safer, more prosperous future with investments in transportation and infrastructure that promote economic development and improve the quality of life for our residents.” We will be able to make sure that this development meets the requirements of the community it serves and establishes North Bethesda as a top talent destination thanks to the $250,000 prize. I would like to express my gratitude to the State’s DOT for helping to forward this initiative.
Employers in the County’s expanding life sciences sector will serve as the anchors of the 13.9-acre mixed-use community center, Project Connect, which will be accessible by public transportation, pedestrian and bicycle pathways, and the North Bethesda Metro Station.
As we proceed with this groundbreaking project at the North Bethesda Metro in the Pike District, we are grateful to the Moore-Miller Administration for this money to assist community outreach, said Kate Stewart, president of the Montgomery County Council. Speaking with locals will be essential to the success of our initiatives as we consider expanding metro access, establishing public areas, and enhancing bike and pedestrian safety.
The project entails constructing infrastructure to accommodate the upcoming CountyFlash Bus Rapid Transit system, which will service MD 355; it also includes providing a new northern access point to the North Bethesda Metro Station.
The grant is a component of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund administered by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). The fund was created to support development initiatives close to transportation stations that enhance community safety, promote economic development, and boost connectivity throughout Maryland.
According to Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld, these subsidies will help accelerate the development of distinctive, dense communities surrounding transit stations, which will further connect Marylanders to opportunities. We are grateful to Governor Moore and all of our General Assembly colleagues for establishing the TOD Fund. For many years to come, Maryland will reap the benefits of economic growth thanks to our combined vision and investment in expanding development close to train stations.
The County is working with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) to construct Project Connect. 2030 is the projected completion year.
According to MCDOT Director Chris Conklin, Project Connect is intended to be a fully functional community with access to employment, housing, entertainment, and other requirements, focused around public transportation, and connected by pedestrian walkways. Planning for Montgomery County’s transit-oriented development in the future requires careful consideration and community involvement. We will be able to involve the community in the planning process thanks to this MDOT TOD award. For their assistance, I would like to thank MDOT.
