Environmental Overview
Socioeconomic Resources
Land uses in the Waldorf area include intensive commercial development along the US 301 corridor, including major retail and entertainment venues that serve as the central shopping district for much of Southern Maryland. Low-to-medium density residential development, scattered rural residential, agricultural, and forest areas are found both east and west of the corridor. Community features in the study area include a number of schools and places of worship. There is also a variety of public park and recreation areas, including Cedarville State Forest, White Plains Regional Park, and the Robert Stethem Memorial Complex.
Portions of the study area fall within two Priority Funding Areas (PFAs). Lands to the east of US 301 between Charles County and MD 381 are designated as part of the Brandywine PFA in Prince George’s County. The majority of the study area is within the Waldorf, Charles County PFA, which extends roughly from Middletown Road on the west to Mattawoman–Beantown Road on the east.
Special land use and economic studies are planned as part of the next project phase. The land use study will examine the regional land use implications associated with the construction of a bypass around the Waldorf area. The economic analysis will examine the impacts to commercial businesses along US 301 as a result of a transportation improvement that would alter the pattern or volume of traffic along the corridor.
In compliance with Federal Executive Order 12898, “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority and Low-Income Populations,” SHA is taking steps to identify and avoid disproportionate effects on minority and low income populations within the study area and will continue to assess potential environmental justice issues throughout the duration of the project.
