Please send correspondence to these people.
Friends of Rural Roads
Dear Friends and Supporters:
The Rural Roads Program is going through some major revisions. The Department of Public Works’ proposed revisions, we feel, would gut the program and remove the Roads Board from advising and supervising.
The proposed revisions can be seen at:
https://www.frederickcountymd.gov/3084/Rural- Roads-Program
As you look over DPW’s proposed revisions, keep two things in mind. 1. Does this STRENGTHEN the Rural Roads Program? 2. Does this CLARIFY AND ENHANCE the Roads Board’s authority to oversee the Program?
The proposed revisions that DPW requests are for authority to pave portions of the gravel roads. They already have this limited authority. We would like the Roads Board to approve any such action. The consequences of paving will impact us all and include increased salt use, increased run-off, and increased driving speeds.
DPW would also like the authority to issue the petition to property owners. The Roads Board would only hear the petition after DPW had verified it. The Roads Board should be the ‘go to’ entity. They should recommend actions by DPW to address the problem, and, they should hand out the petition when needed.
Finally, DPW would like to have the authority to define a specific section of a gravel road as a viable removable (or includable) entity. We feel that only major sectioning should be allowed, such as entire gravel limits, and intersections between major highways.
Critical for the survival of these gravel roads is MAINTENANCE—prompt, thorough, knowledgeable maintenance, and upgrades and repairs that will keep the road gravel and in the program.
You are a staunch supporter of the Rural Roads Program. They preserve the rural, historical, and scenic qualities of Frederick County the way only a slow gravel road can. You have enjoyed these roads over the years. If we aren’t vigilant, they will disappear. Please send DPW an e-mail with your comments and copy the County Executive at:
RuralRoadsUpdate@frederickcountymd.gov jgardner@frederickcountymd.gov
The deadline for submitting comments is July 21, 2019. write an e-mail as well.
Thank you.
Susan Hanson for the Advisers, Friends of Rural Roads
Please send something ASAP and ask your friends to
Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
Robert Frost