Guidance for Local Public Agencies and Sub-Recipients of Federal Funds

Visit the new Local Public Agency (LPA) Program page​

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (SHA) has a manual for Local Public Agencies (LPA) and Sub-Recipients​ that provides instructions to help successfully develop and implement federally funded transportation projects. If you are with an LPA and unfamiliar with federal procedures, the manual will guide you through the federal process. For those who frequently use federal funds for transportation projects, the manual is a reference tool to quickly locate specific information.

​Below are useful links to help LPA staff develop projects that meet federal aid requirements.

Subject Description
Title VI / Environmental Justice Title VI/Environmental Justice ensures non-discrimination in all MDOT SHA programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance from the Federal Highway Administration.
Federal Highway Bridge Program Guidance to local governments using Federal Highway Bridge Program funds
Maryland Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MDMUTCD) Requirements for installing traffic control devices in Maryland,
Traffic Control Devices Design Manual Helps traffic engineers develop signal, signing, pavement marking and lighting plans for the MDOT SHA Office of Traffic and Safety (OOTS).
Maryland Standard Sign Book Design details for signs that must be used along public roads in Maryland.
MDOT SHA Bicycle Policy & Design Guidelines Requirements for bicycle facilities along MDOT SHA highways
MDOT SHA Accessibility Policy & Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities Along State Highways Requirements and design guidelines for constructing pedestrian facilities along MDOT SHA highways
Book of Standards for Highway & Incidental Structures Standards to be applied during construction on MDOT SHA roadways.
Standard Supplemental and Specifications for Construction and Materials Specifications and material requirements for items to be utilized on MDOT SHA roadways.
Highway Drainage Manual Provides requirements for highway drainage for SHA roadways
Pavement & Geotechnical Design Guide A process to evaluate the condition of pavement systems that fulfills design requirements.
Landscape Guidance Documents Designing landscapes for Maryland roads. Includes the MDOT SHA Landscape Design Guide and the Environmental Guide for Access & District Permit Applicants.
MDOT SHA Utility Policy Guidance for situating utilities within MDOT SHA rights of way.
Federal-Aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies Guidance fulfilling requirements for federally funded projects.
Recreational Trails Program Manual 
Guidance to local governments using the Recreational Trails Program.