Van Hollen, McClain Delaney Highlight $1 Million in Federal Funding to Upgrade Gaithersburg Pedestrian Infrastructure

This week, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (both D-Md.), joined by City of Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman and other local officials, highlighted a $1,000,000 federal investment to improve pedestrian infrastructure on the streets in and around Olde Towne Gaithersburg. Senator Van Hollen, Congresswoman McClain Delaney, and Senator Alsobrooks fought to secure this investment in Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending.

"It is important for our streets to meet the safety needs not only of drivers, but also of pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders. This federal funding will help the City of Gaithersburg meet that goal - supporting their plan to improve walkability in Olde Towne and making it safer for students and families going to and from school and work. These infrastructure upgrades will help build a safer and better-connected Gaithersburg for all," said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

"Our communities are best when people can come together, be outside, and connect safely. That is why it is so critical that we invest in our infrastructure, especially our pedestrian infrastructure. I am proud to have worked to secure $1 million in federal investment to improve pedestrian infrastructure on the streets in and around Olde Towne Plaza in Gaithersburg - and look forward to seeing how it improves safety and the community," said Senator Angela Alsobrooks.

"One of my top priorities is bringing federal tax dollars home to the people I serve. That's why I fought to secure $1 million in federal funding for the Gaithersburg Pedestrian Safety Project, working alongside Senator Van Hollen to get it across the finish line. This investment will help keep students, families, and seniors safe while strengthening our community for years to come," said Congresswoman April McClain Delaney.

"We are grateful for this $1,000,000 federal investment to improve pedestrian infrastructure in and around Olde Towne," said Mayor Jud Ashman. "Enhancing safety and accessibility for everyone, especially our students, who walks, bikes, studies, or lives in this community is one of our highest priorities. This funding will allow us to accelerate improvements that make our streets safer and more welcoming. We thank Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks and Congresswoman April McClain Delaney for their leadership in securing this support, and we appreciate our federal partners' continued commitment to Gaithersburg."

The investment secured by the lawmakers will support upgrades to enhance safety and accessibility for pedestrians, cyclists, students, and families throughout the area, with a focus on the streets providing access to Gaithersburg Elementary, Middle, and High Schools. The work funded will include traffic calming, safety improvements at intersections, and new and improved crosswalks. Additionally, new sidewalks are planned along several residential streets in the Deer Park neighborhood. These improvements will create safer walkways, reduce traffic-related hazards, and promote a more walkable community for residents and visitors.

The lawmakers worked to secure these funds and provisions prior to their passage, but ultimately voted against the larger package they were included within - stemming from concerns over insufficient safeguards to protect federal workers against the Trump Administration's attacks and to prevent the Administration from misusing Congressionally approved taxpayer dollars, among other factors.

Video of the press conference and ceremonial check presentation marking the delivery of the funding is available here.