Gardner Announces “Refreshing” of County Roads Program

She will host a roundtable discussion Monday, February 24.

Frederick, MD – County Executive Jan Gardner announced plans on Thursdays to “refresh” the rural and scenic road programs of Frederick County.

The plan to update the Rural Roads Program follows recent initiatives proposed by Gardner regarding historic and environmental preservation.

Gardner said the roads should maintain their historic significance, but should still be evaluated to ensure their safety and sustainability.

“Safety must be at the forefront of all of our decisions in local government. It’s one of our primary responsibilities,” Gardner said. “Scenery and viewsheds may attract tourists, but our residents have a right to have their roads upgraded and to be safe travel ways.”

Rural Roads Program began almost 20 years ago, incorporating 80 miles of roadway into the plan. 46 miles are gravel roads and 30 miles are tar-and-chip covered.

Gardner has invited stakeholders to a public roundtable discussion next week to discuss plans to balance the maintenance needs of often-unpaved scenic roadways along with goals to preserve scenic and historical qualities of the areas.

Several county committees, commissions and other groups will attend the discussion including the Roads Board, the Frederick County Farm Bureau, the Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Divisions of Public Works, Planning and Permitting.

Gardner said the group will discuss new criteria for rural and scenic roads, the process of adding or removing roads in the program, tourism promotion, and the prioritization of maintenance.

“I want to focus on these hidden gems,” Garner said. “And what we can do to enhance the appeal and safety of our rural roads for residents and visitors alike.”

The roundtable discussion will be at 6 p.m. on Monday, February 24, at Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church St., Frederick.

For more information, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/executive. The roundtable will be broadcast live on FCG TV, on cable channels 19 and 1085, and streamed on the county’s website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/FCGTV

By Timothy Young