May 2020
WILMAPCO Meetings

All WILMAPCO meetings are open to the public and are being held virtually. For meeting login information, visit www.wilmapco.org.
 
May 7, 10am
 
May 14, 10am
 
May 21, 10am 
For updates or more information on upcoming WILMAPCO meetings, please visit www.wilmapco.org. 
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WILMAPCO E-News 
Transportation news and events from the
Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO). 
WILMAPCO News
BikeMonthMay is (still) Bike Month
Though Bike to Work Week has been postponed until September 21-27, 2020, with Bike to Work Day coinciding with Car Free Day on September 22, 2020, May is still Bike Month. Now more then ever, bicycling is critical for trips to essential jobs and services to avoid physical contact on transit, or instead of canceled transit services. Bicycling is an affordable way to boost our physical and emotional well-being, which in turn will boost immunity. Some Bike Month activities, resources, and tips include:  
  • Have some fun tracking your rides by joining the 2020 National Bike Challenge that will run from May - September. Sign up and be eligible for prizes at www.lovetoride.net/usa
  • It is critical that people riding, particularly for fun and exercise, take care to avoid crowds and only ride alone or with others from your household. Local trails and pathways remain open (with some restrictions), but are experiencing some crowds. Time your ride for when things are less crowded and follow all local restrictions.
  • Some information on riding in the age of COVID-19 can be found at:
  • Though we can't gather together to celebrate Bike to School Day, it's still a great time to focus on safety, fun, and community connection. The Safe Routes to School National Partnership is offering a week of ideas from May 4 to May 8. To learn more, visit https://tinyurl.com/SRTScovid19
  • If you need a bike or repairs, bicycle shops have been classified as essential in Delaware and Maryland. Most have restricted access and hours, so be sure to call ahead. Affordable repairs and refurbished bikes are available from Urban Bike Project (online catalog) and Newark Bike Project (online catalog) and both organizations are in need of bicycle donations due to the decrease in public transit services. 
Finally, this May, WILMAPCO is wrapping up the development of the New Castle County Bicycle Plan. Learn more and review the plan, please visit www.wilmapco.org/bikencc.

US202Concord Pike Corridor Master Plan Online Survey 
Do you live, work or play in or near Concord Boulevard in Wilmington? If so, then WILMAPCO, DelDOT, and New Castle County want to hear from you via a new (and quick) online survey. The survey will be available through May 29 on the project website at www.wilmapco.org/202.  
 
TAPWILMAPCO is seeking Transportation Alternatives Program Submissions for Cecil County
WILMAPCO and the Maryland State Highway Administration have are seeking applications for the Transportation Alternatives Program through May 29. The program funds projects that create bicycle and pedestrian facilities, restore historic transportation buildings, convert abandoned railway corridors to pedestrian trails, and mitigate highway runoff. State, county, and local agencies are eligible to apply to receive grants covering up to 80 percent of the project costs. A portion of these federal funds are allocated for exclusive use in Cecil County. Learn more and apply at www.roads.maryland.gov/mdotsha/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=144 .  
Local News
ClimatePlan Delaware's Climate Action Plan: Make Your Voice Heard
The State of Delaware has embarked on an effort to develop a Climate Action Plan by the end of 2020. The Climate Action Plan will address greenhouse gas mitigation as well as climate adaptation, all in the interest of promoting community resilience to climate change impacts. DNREC has been tasked with development of the plan. Community members and stakeholders are invited to provide input by completing an interactive survey by the end of April. The survey is available at declimateplan.org .
 
StateStratDraft 2020 State Strategies for Spending Released for Public Comment
The Office of State Planning Coordination has released its draft 2020 Delaware Strategies for State Policies and Spending for public comment. State Strategies are used to coordinate land-use decision-making at the local level with the provision of infrastructure and services in a manner that makes the best use of the state's natural and fiscal resources. As part of the State Strategies, a map is produced depicting four Investment Levels. Visit the website to access maps, documents, and videos and to submit public comments by April 30 at  https://strategies.stateplanning.delaware.gov.
 
DEAQDelaware Annual State of the Air Report Released 
American Lung Association in Delaware's annual "State of the Air" report found that climate change continues to make air pollution worse, with many western communities again experiencing record-breaking spikes in particle pollution due to wildfires. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact of air pollution on lung health is of heightened concern. To learn more, please visit Lung.org/SOTA.
National News
Census2020 Census Has Not Been Suspended 
Despite rumors, the 2020 Census has not been suspended or cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Although some of the activities undertaken by the US Census Bureau have been adjusted or delayed, the self response to the 2020 Census continues. The Census can be completed online, by phone, or by mail. To take the 2020 Census, please visit https://my2020census.gov.  
 
GoogleGoogle COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports
Google has released COVID-19 Community Mobility Reports for 131 countries to provide insights into what has changed in response to work from home, shelter in place, and other policies aimed at flattening the curve of this pandemic. The reports chart movement trends over time by geography, across different categories of places such as retail and recreation, groceries and pharmacies, parks, transit stations, workplaces, and residential. To view the reports, please visit www.google.com/covid19/mobility.  

Funding$25 Billion Funding Allocation to Help Nation's Public Transportation Systems Respond to COVID-19
The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced $25 billion in federal funding to help the nation's public transportation systems respond to the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, signed on March 27.  Funding will be provided at a 100 percent federal share, with no local match required, and will be available to support operating, capital, and other expenses generally eligible under those programs, to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19. To learn more, please visit www.transit.dot.gov/about/news/us-transportation-secretary-elaine-l-chao-announces-25-billion-help-nations-public.
 
StateofEarthState of the Earth in Numbers
USAFacts has released an in-depth State of the Earth Report with metrics from US government agencies that measure the nation's air, land conservation, and energy. With facts and engaging visuals on aspects like renewable energy, National Parks and changes in precipitation and temperature, this report provides insight into the government's role in the American environment. To learn more, please visit https://usafacts.org/earth-day-facts.
The Wilmington Area Planning Council (WILMAPCO) is the regional transportation planning agency for New Castle County, Delaware and Cecil County, Maryland.  
As the federally designated Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), WILMAPCO is charged with planning and coordinating transportation investments for the region based on federal policy, local input, technical analysis, and best practices. For more information, please visit our website at www.wilmapco.org.