AASHTO Comments on ‘Waters of United States’ Proposal

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials recently commented on a request for information issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regarding its “Waters of the United States” or WOTUS rulemakings over the past several years.

[Above image by AASHTO]

In previous comment letters, AASHTO proposed a “definition” of WOTUS that would both provide “adequate protection” for aquatic resources while making that definition “easier and more straightforward” for the regulated community to understand and thus apply.

In this latest comment letter, AASHTO especially emphasized the need for WOTUS rules to contain “clear standards” to determine the jurisdictional status of roadside ditches, ensuring that the rule clearly excludes most roadside ditches from its regulatory requirements.

In practice, that means clearly defining terms such as “relatively permanent” and “continuous surface connection” in WOTUS rules. “The application of these definitions significantly affects compliance determinations of state departments of transportation and their ability to perform routine maintenance and project delivery,” AASHTO said in its comment letter.

AASHTO thus recommended that EPA adopt a scope and definition for “relatively permanent” and “continuous surface connection” that excludes roadside ditches and isolated stormwater drainage and management features as jurisdictional and WOTUS.

“These exclusions will provide state DOTs confidence and certainty in their Clean Water Act permits and compliance determinations for work in and around roadside ditches and other drainage features,” AASHTO said.

The organization also stressed that any action EPA take where WOTUS terminology is concerned be “clear, concise, and final,” as frequent changes, especially to WOTUS definitions, affect the ability of state DOTs to deliver transportation projects on time and on budget.

“Projects can span multiple years in development, and changing definitions can result in the need to revisit jurisdiction and lead to re-work of base plans, increasing cost and delaying ultimate construction,” AASHTO pointed out.

Maryland DOT Offering Bicycle Infrastructure Grants

The Maryland Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for up to $2 million worth of grant funding for bicycle infrastructure projects through May 26 statewide.

[Above photo by Maryland DOT]

The agency said that grant money is available through its Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Grant Program, which focuses on local priorities for bicycle infrastructure improvements.

Projects can include improving and/or expanding trail connections, on-road bicycle facilities, and enhancing last-mile connections, Maryland DOT noted.

[Editor’s note: At the 2025 National Bike Summit March 11-13 in Washington, D.C., hosted by the League of American Bicyclists, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation provided a deep dive into the practical aspects of its new “Guide for the Development of Bicycle Facilities, 5th Edition,” know colloquially as the “AASHTO Bike Guide,” released in December 2024.]

Established in 2011 through the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund, the Kim Lamphier Bikeways Grant Program has funded 244 projects totaling $40.6 million to date, according to the agency.

In 2020, the Maryland General Assembly voted to rename the Bikeways Grant Program in Lamphier’s honor after the longtime bike advocate and conservationist passed away from cancer in 2019.

Maryland DOT said that state funding may be requested for up to 80 percent of a project’s reimbursable costs through this program, with the remaining 20 percent or more of eligible project costs remaining the responsibility of the applicants to fund via a local match.

This program may also be used to match federal funds from discretionary grant endeavors such as the Transportation Alternatives Program, the agency said.

In 2024 alone, Maryland DOT said its bikeways grant program helped complete 16 projects, including a one-mile segment of the Broadneck Peninsula Trail in Anne Arundel County, four “gap” improvements in the City of Baltimore and multiple bike and scooting parking stations in the City of College Park.

Environmental News Highlights – April 23, 2025

Maryland DOT Awards Tree-Planting Grant Funds

The Maryland Department of Transportation recently awarded more than $26,000 in state funded grants to support tree plantings in 12 communities.

[Above photo by the Maryland DOT]

That funding comes from the agency’s Urban Tree Program; part of a competitive initiative that focuses on increasing vegetation in areas impacted by the construction of transportation facilities.

The Maryland DOT noted that these grants are also available to communities affected by environmental justice issues or the “heat island effect,” which refers to urbanized communities that experience higher temperatures than outlying areas. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 in funding for tree plantings, with more available for pocket forest projects.

The agency said this round of funding will add 757 new trees statewide, advancing Maryland’s goal of planting five million trees by 2031.

[Editor’s note: The Maryland DOT’s State Highway Administration, in collaboration with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and Montgomery County’s Department of Transportation, recently started work on a $1.2 million stream remediation project in the Colesville area of Montgomery County that includes the planting of native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous vegetation.]

“Branches and limbs from Maryland’s native trees help protect the state and provide for stronger, safer and healthier communities,” said Maryland DOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld in a statement.

“The Maryland DOT is proud to fund the state’s beautification with planting more White Oak, Blackgum, Eastern Redbud and other native trees,” he added. “These trees will grow tall and cool down temperatures in hot urban areas with ample amount of shade.”

The agency noted that its Urban Tree Grant Program has issued more than $165,000 to 62 projects across more than 50 communities since its launch in 2022, resulting in the planting of about 3,000 trees.

Michigan DOT Seeks Input on Active Transportation Plan

The Michigan Department of Transportation is currently seeking public input on a draft of its North Region Active Transportation Plan, which will highlight current and proposed nonmotorized connections throughout the northernmost 21 counties of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

[Above photo by Michigan DOT]

The agency said it worked with the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), private firm Networks Northwest, and local communities throughout those 21 counties to develop this plan, which will formally “assemble” both current and future separated pathways, bike lanes, wide shoulders, sidewalk connections, and regional trails into a single system.

Michigan DOT said the current draft of the plan will be available through May 17 for public feedback.

The agency added that the overarching goal of this plan is to provide safe places for state residents and visitors to walk or bike; increase opportunities for improved health and wellbeing; access to recreational areas throughout the northern portion of lower Michigan; and spur the use of alternative forms of transportation for travel.

“This plan will be used to guide decision-making and development of future active transportation facilities,” said Heidi Phaneuf, Michigan DOT’s North Region planner, in a statement.

“We are thankful for the support of all the trail groups, local governments, transportation agencies and tribal partners that helped in the development of this plan – sharing their visions that were woven together into this document,” she noted.

Environmental News Highlights – April 16, 2025

Illinois DOT Hosting Local Funding Workshops

From mid-April through late June this year, the Illinois Department of Transportation will host 18 workshops statewide to help local governments and communities learn about a variety of funding opportunities and how to apply for them.

[Above image by Illinois DOT]

The agency said its Special Programs Assistance Conferences are designed to help potential grantees take part in the department’s Economic Development Program, Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, and Safe Routes to School Program. ​ ​

“Thanks to [Illinois] Governor Pritzker’s Rebuild Illinois capital program, there is more opportunity than ever for our local partners to work with us to accomplish projects that improve mobility, safety and quality of life in their communities,” explained Gia Biagi, acting Illinois DOT secretary, in a statement.

“These workshops are a one-stop shop to learn about some of our more popular programs, as well as to get help tapping into the tools and resources that can make a positive impact in cities, towns and neighborhoods across Illinois,” she added.

Illinois DOT said these two-day conferences are geared to help local stakeholders understand the competitive funding programs it offers, as well as identify projects they can submit for consideration and provide instruction on how to craft applications. Illinois DOT staff will lead each conference, with group presentations occurring on the morning of the first day, followed by one-on-one appointments and networking opportunities the afternoon of the first day and on the second day.

Registration information and times for each session are available by clicking here, with more information on the funding opportunities available at the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program, Safe Routes to School Program, and Economic Development Program webpages located at idot.illinois.gov.

The Illinois DOT hosts a variety of events geared to help local communities and businesses.

For example, in February, the agency held its 34th “Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward” conference – sponsored by its Office of Business and Workforce Diversity – to provide minority- and women-owned businesses with opportunities to make connections and develop skills to grow and succeed.

The agency noted that its “Today’s Challenge, Tomorrow’s Reward” meeting offers workshops to build skills, seminars on best practices and networking opportunities for firms and contractors wanting to do business with Illinois via the state’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise or DBE program.

New Native American Art Decorates Ferry Terminal

A pair of 10-foot-tall hand-carved Native American-themed “welcome poles” were recently installed in the passenger walkway at the Washington State Ferries (WSF) Bainbridge Island terminal.

[Above photo by WSDOT]

According to Native American lore, the poles represent the concept that “all humans may travel and have great strength to go wherever they desire and have protection and power within.” Local community members selected this artwork through a process managed by the Washington State Arts Commission in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation’s WSF.

In a blog post, WSF said it consults with federally-recognized tribes with treaty rights where its projects are located so it can include tribal cultural design elements at its ferry terminals. While these pieces add beauty, their presence signals something deeper, WSF emphasized – providing a link to the Native American culture in the Salish Sea and often telling a story of the place or history of the tribe.

Native American artist Andy Wilbur-Peterson – who grew up in Shelton, WA, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Native American studies from Evergreen State College in Olympia – created the two welcome poles; which are called “Crossing the Water.”

Across the country, state departments of transportation are involved in a variety of cultural and archaeological efforts – many involving Native American communities.

For example, in September 2024, the Iowa Department of Transportation – with support from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration – released a 25-minute film about the Black Hawk Bridge and that of the local communities surrounding it.

Named after Chief Black Hawk of Lansing, IA, the bridge connected Wisconsin and Iowa communities – including Native American tribes – on either side of the Mississippi River

Created as a compliance requirement with the National Historic Preservation Act, the short film – entitled “Bridging Generations: The Story of the Black Hawk Bridge” – details the history of the 1,700-foot bridge that spans the Mississippi River, connecting Iowa Highway 9 in Lansing, IA, to Wisconsin Highway 82 in rural Crawford County.

And in September 2023, the Wisconsin Department of Transportation received federal funding to help create a Tribal Technical Assistance Program or TTAP Center for 65 tribal nations across 30 states.

Environmental News Highlights – April 9, 2025

Video: Inside DDOT’s Wood Reclamation Program

A new video highlights the wood reclamation program established by the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT) in Washington, D.C.; a program that turns trees cut down, due to age, health, or construction projects into a wide variety of useful products – everything from benches and doors to birdhouses.

[Above photo by DDOT]

“We’re trying to save trees that are removed in the city for a variety of reasons and give them a second life,” explained Shaun McKim, an arborist with DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division, in the video.

“These trees are taken down because they’ve become dead or hazardous. Or maybe there’s some impending road construction that won’t allow them to be there,” he added. “[But] this wood is still very useful and it can have a second life. [We can] make stuff with the wood that is removed in the city.”

Launched in 2019, DDOT’s Urban Forestry Division specifically seeks to work with local schools and students to teach them about tree biology and decomposition.

Many state departments of transportation are involved in programs and projects to recycle and/or reuse the wood from trees removed for a variety of reasons – especially after major weather events, such as floods or hurricanes.

For example, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet worked with the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet and other state agencies on a “debris-to-mulch” project that turned thousands of trees downed by major flooding across Eastern Kentucky in early 2023 into beneficial mulch made available for commercial sale.

Nearly 100,000 tons of wood debris were sent to one of two Kentucky mulching facilities for re-use as part of this program, KYTC said; wood debris ultimately produced about 160,000 cubic yards of mulch, equivalent to almost 2.1 million bags of the mulch product typically sold in home improvement stores.

Meanwhile, the Maryland Department of Transportation helps sponsor a tree-planting grant program that supports a broad initiative to plant five million trees across Maryland by 2031.

The Urban Tree Grant Program – which is a partnership between the Maryland DOT, the Maryland Urban and Community Forest Committee, and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources – has awarded over $120,000 across more than 40 communities since launching in 2022, resulting in the planting of about 2,000 trees.

That program supports the “Growing 5 Million Trees” initiative​ – established by the “Tree Solutions Now Act” passed by the state legislature in 2021 – that is led by a commission chaired by the Maryland Department of the Environment.