Columbia Gets $100K Grant for New Pathway

COLUMBIA, MD — Howard County recently received a grant that will enable it to expand its pathway system and connect Howard Community College to other parts of Columbia.

A bicycle and pedestrian pathway will be constructed at the campus off Little Patuxent Parkway, connecting it to the network of existing paths and trails throughout Columbia, which has 94 miles of trails.

The new 0.4-mile path will run across campus from the downtown Columbia multi-use trail to the south side of Hickory Ridge Road.

The Maryland Department of Transportation provided a $99,724 grant for design and construction of the path from the Maryland Bikeways Program Fund.

“Thanks to the grant, students will have improved access to campus from their homes or work,” Howard Community College Kate Hetherington said in a statement. “The pathway also will encourage more residents in our community to visit and participate in college events.”

County officials said the path will add access to Blandair Park, another local amenity.

“Not only will this create improved access throughout Howard Community College’s campus, but it will also provide access to the multi-use pathway for residents of Hickory Ridge," County Council Member Mary Kay Sigaty, who represents the area, said in a statement. "It’s another important connection leading to Blandair Park that will be used for many years to come.”

The pathway is expected to be finished in 2017.

Photo by bigal101 at Morguefile.com.