Posted on August 6, 2025
For more information, contact: Zack Tyndall, Mayor
(410) 641-3858
MayorZack@berlinmd.gov
August 6, 2025
For Immediate Release …
Town of Berlin Expresses Disappointment Over Federal Cut
of Nearly $1 Million in Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Funding
Berlin, MD – The Town of Berlin has received official notification from the U.S. Department of Transportation that $950,000 in Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Program funding previously awarded for the “Bridging the Highway that Divides Berlin: Reconnecting Neighborhoods Split by US-113” project has been cut. The decision is a result of congressional action cutting all unobligated balances from the NAE Program under the Big Beautiful Bill. While $250,000 in obligated funds remains available for use, the Town’s comprehensive efforts to evaluate and plan for safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings over U.S. Route 113 will be significantly decreased.
Mayor Zack Tyndall expressed deep concern and disappointment over the news, particularly for residents of the Flower Street neighborhood. “We have spent years working to address the safety concerns created by the installation of US-113 in the 1950s. This highway created a divide right through the heart of our community. Losing this critical funding is heartbreaking, especially to the children and families of the Flower Street neighborhood, who were looking forward to this grant so they could safely bike to school and downtown Berlin. Currently, the only way we can provide them with that opportunity is by completely shutting down Route 113 with police support once a year. That’s not a sustainable solution—it’s a reminder of just how urgently we need long-term, safe, and equitable infrastructure in place.”
The rescinded funds were intended to support the planning and design of improved crosswalks, safer crossings, and bicycle access across U.S. Route 113, which has long divided neighborhoods and limited safe, equitable access to healthcare facilities, the town’s only grocery store, schools, parks, and downtown Berlin. The Town will continue to advocate for alternative federal and state funding options to pursue these needed improvements.
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Categories: News
