Programs & Regulations

Maryland State Highway Administration's
Smart Growth Programs

Smart Growth programs, offered through the State Highway Administration, offer opportunities for local jurisdictions and communities to participate in making Maryland a better place to live.

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Neighborhood Conservation/Urban Reconstruction
These programs were structured specifically to provide transportation projects that support economic revitalization and community conservation activities in State Designated Neighborhoods. Funding for this program, originally $8 million, has nearly tripled. Working with local communities and other state agencies, priority is given to projects that can be integrated into other community revitalization efforts.

Sidewalk Retrofit
This program promotes walking and bicycling as viable and safe modes of transportation by providing funding for the construction/reconstruction of sidewalks along state highways based on priorities determined by the local jurisdiction.

Transportation Enhancement
This program offers funding for projects jointly sponsored with local jurisdictions and their partners for transportation related community amenities along state highways. Projects could include such things as scenic highway improvements, historic resources protection and bicycle and pedestrian facilities.

National Recreational Trails (PDF Format)
Locally sponsored recreational trail projects, including maintenance, restoration, construction or the development of amenities, can be assisted with matching funds through this program.

Scenic Byways
This program supports locally designated scenic routes through a statewide designation and makes funds available for developing a corridor management plan and subsequent projects to protect and enhance the byway.

Partnership Planting (PDF Format)
This program provides several opportunities for local governments and volunteer groups to beautify highways and improve the environment through landscaping for the maintenance of landscaping.

Access Management (PDF Format)
Working with local governments, the State Highway Administration develops corridor access management plans and participates in coordinating land use with highway access. In designated development areas, access management can increase the capacity of a corridor to accommodate development; and, in rural areas where development is not planned, minimize development pressure associated with highways.

Ridesharing
This program encourages ridesharing by funding the construction of carpool and park-and-ride lots that benefit a state highway. The most effective lots are located near and coordinated with state or local transit service.

Sound Barriers (PDF Format)
This program preserves the livability of existing neighborhoods by providing sound barriers along existing major state highways.

CHART
CHART is a joint effort of the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Maryland State Police, in cooperation with other federal, state and local agencies. CHART's mission is to improve "real time" operations of Maryland's highway system through teamwork and technology.