(a) The purpose of the Program is to provide matching grants to certified jurisdictions to encourage:
(1) The regular and routine inclusion of complete streets design features and infrastructure during the planning, design, construction, and reconstruction of new or existing locally funded roads;
(2) The adoption of urban retrofit street ordinances designed to provide safe access to users of multiple modes of transportation; and
(3) The development of ranking systems for complete streets projects that consider the needs of underinvested and underserved communities in specific geographic regions of the State.
(b) The goals of the Program are to:
(1) Promote healthy communities by encouraging the use of multiple modes of transportation other than single–occupancy motor vehicles;
(2) Improve safety by designing streets to include design features such as:
(i) Wider sidewalks;
(ii) Dedicated bike facilities;
(iii) Medians;
(iv) Pedestrian streetscape design features; and
(v) Green stormwater infrastructure;
(3) Protect the environment and improve water quality by using green stormwater infrastructure to reduce stormwater runoff from rights–of–way;
(4) Reduce congestion by providing safe alternatives to single–occupancy motor vehicle driving;
(5) Preserve community character by:
(i) Involving local and diverse communities and stakeholders in planning, prioritization, and design decisions; and
(ii) Facilitating access to retail stores that provide healthy foods and other necessities, especially in food deserts designated under § 6–308(c) of the Housing and Community Development Article; and
(6) Provide for the equitable distribution of complete streets funds that takes into consideration the needs of underinvested and underserved communities in specific geographic regions of the State.