STATE AWARDS $3.0 MILLION GRANT FOR CARROLL CREEK PARK

Frederick, MD --- The City of Frederick’s Carroll Creek Park Project has received a $3.0 infusion of funding support from the State of Maryland Transportation Enhancement Program. Notification of the award from Governor Martin O’Malley was received this week following a lengthy review process by the State Highway Administration. The City Department of Economic Development applied for the funds in February, 2007. The application process was headed up by former Mayor Ron Young currently serving on the Carroll Creek Task force. “Mr. Young’s assistance was instrumental in preparing the application and submitting backup information and letters of support to the state” indicated Mayor Jeff Holtzinger. “Ron’s vision and participation through the years are deeply appreciated by the City.”

The Carroll Creek Park is a 1.3 mile urban mixed-use park which forms an alternative east-west transportation corridor through Downtown Frederick for pedestrian and bicyclists. Flanked by development sites, the project is creating more than $150 million in private capital investment, 580,000 square feet of new or renovated office and commercial space, 1,500 jobs, and more than 400 new residential units. According to Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development, “the project is a world-class facility which is building on an already vibrant downtown with more than 600 business and organizations.”

Carroll Creek Park is one of 65 parks in the city park system and is part of the City’s Shared Use Path System. “A flagship urban park, these funds will be used to construct pedestrian and bicycle paths and visitor amenities throughout the park” states Roelkey Myers, Director of Parks and Recreation. The first phase of construction was completed in 2006 at a cost of $10.6 million. The next phase of construction is nearing design completion and will occur in 2008 at an estimated cost of $10-$12 million. The cost is being shared by the State, City, and County.