Baltimore receives grant for Highway to Nowhere

(Baltimore, MD) -- The federal government has given Baltimore $2 millon for a study to determine what to do with the so-called Highway to Nowhere in West Baltimore.

“I remember the once vibrant and connected communities that existed before the ‘Highway to Nowhere,’” said Congressman Mfume. “We seek to empower and reconnect communities to one another as a first step with this planning grant, but we also seek to connect those same communities to economic opportunities, more academic possibilities, arts and entertainment, healthy food options, safe and inviting open-space options, and so much more. It's never too late to undo the wrongs of the past if we have a clear and renewed vision for the future."

Work on the highway began more than 60 years ago. It was supposed to connect I-70 with I-83 and I-90.

The project displaced about 1,500 people but was never finished.

At a recent public meeting, residents in West Baltimore said they want to see money reinvested into the community they say was uprooted more than 50 years ago when the highway was first being built.

They said West Baltimore was a close-knit community before the project started and it should be rebuilt. Governor Wes Moore calls the funding a critical step in reconnecting communities and advancing economic opportunity in the region.

“This funding is a critical step forward toward reconnecting communities, advancing economic opportunity, and improving the standard of living for the citizens of Baltimore City who have been unjustly isolated for far too long,” said Governor Wes Moore. “Investment and partnership will get the job done and we are committed to working with leadership both in Baltimore City and in Washington, D.C. to correct the injustice of 'The Highway to Nowhere' and to promote equity, mobility, and sustainable growth for generations to come.”