The City of Frederick and Frederick Board of County Commissioners will hold a joint press conference at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, to commemorate the signing of the Monocacy Boulevard Funding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
MEDIA CONTACTS: Public Information Coordinator Susan Harding, The City of Frederick, 301-600-1385. Public Information Officer Robin Santangelo, Frederick County Government, 301-600-2590.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2013
Significant moment in transportation planning . . .
CITY & COUNTY TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TO COMMEMORATE
SIGNING OF MONOCACY BOULEVARD FUNDING AGREEMENT
FREDERICK, MD – The City of Frederick and Frederick Board of County Commissioners will hold a joint press conference at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20, to commemorate the signing of the Monocacy Boulevard Funding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). The press conference will be held in the Boardroom of City Hall, 101 North Court Street, Frederick, Md.
City Mayor Randy McClement voiced tremendous support stating, "Monocacy Boulevard is a major regional transportation asset for the City and County, connecting I-70 in Downtown Frederick to Riverside Research Park and US 15. Partnerships like this between the City and County to build Monocacy Boulevard are crucial at a time of declining resources. These improvements will provide a safer and more efficient path of travel for commuters and local truck traffic and will accommodate all modes of transportation with the inclusion of a shared use path for pedestrians and bicyclists. I am confident that this roadway will increase the economic development potential of the region and help to deliver jobs of the future for the community."
Monocacy Boulevard is a critical link of the multimodal transportation network in The City of Frederick and an asset to the residents of Frederick County. This major road construction project connects the new I-70/East Street interchange to points east, including major commercial developments at Riverside, Clemson Corner and Market Square. The scope of the project encompasses upgrades beginning just west of the new intersection of Monocacy Boulevard and Shifferstadt Boulevard, along Monocacy Boulevard up to the intersection of Gashouse Pike at Riverside. These improvements will greatly enhance access from the East side of Frederick to the north end of the City. Additionally, completion of this final phase of the project will coincide with the opening of the new US 15/Monocacy Boulevard Interchange, which will complete the connection from I-70 to US 15 around the northeast side of the City.
Board President Blaine Young said, "There has been much debate over years as to whether of not the county should be a partner in this major transportation project and jobs corridor. This Board of County Commissioners understands the significant transportation value and the job creation opportunities. While the county is late to the game, this contribution will ensure completion of the project."
The project will include the rehabilitation of the existing bridge on Monocacy Boulevard and construction of a new bridge over the Monocacy River, a traffic signal at the Gas House Pike/Monocacy Boulevard intersection and the widening and realignment of Monocacy Boulevard from Shifferstadt Boulevard to the Gas House Pike/Monocacy Boulevard intersection. Pending funding, construction will begin in the spring of 2015 and last for approximately two and a half years.
The press conference will be broadcast live on City cable channel 99, FCG TV (cable channel 19), and on webcasting at www.cityoffrederick.com and www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/video.
For additional information, contact Public Information Coordinator Susan Harding, The City of Frederick, at 301-600-1385 or via e-mail at susan@cityoffrederick.com, or Public Information Officer Robin Santangelo, Frederick County Government, at 301-600-2590 or via e-mail at rsantangelo@FrederickCountyMD.gov.
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