FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 6, 2021
Contact: MDOT Public Affairs
Erin Henson, 410-865-1025
Jim Joyner, 410-865-1030
Maryland Transportation Secretary Greg Slater Statement on Congressional Passage of Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill
HANOVER, MD – Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Greg Slater today issued the following statement on final congressional passage of the bipartisan infrastructure bill:
“The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act approved last night by Congress is a solid and forward-thinking win for Maryland and the nation. This action is an important step in providing our state with much-needed funding to develop and maintain critical infrastructure, grow our regional economy and give today's residents and future generations travel options that are reliable and resilient across Maryland's transportation system.
“MDOT has closely monitored the progress in Washington over the past weeks and months, and residents and businesses will benefit from these transformative investments to help MDOT maintain, preserve and improve roads, bridges, transit systems, bikeways, pedestrian infrastructure, railways, airports and ports across Maryland.
“I want to thank Maryland Governor Larry Hogan for his leadership in galvanizing the national debate, and for his focus on infrastructure investment as a path to the future. I also applaud members of Congress, especially our Maryland Delegation, for demonstrating their commitment to America's transportation network.
“As MDOT continues to meet this fall with leaders around the state – visiting every county and Baltimore City on our annual tour to discuss the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program budget – we are emphasizing the importance of repairing and preserving Maryland's aging infrastructure and addressing our backlog of critical projects. Funding approved today will help us tremendously toward those goals. The CTP tour also presents us with the opportunity to hear directly from officials about priorities and needs in every corner of the state. That input is an invaluable resource and a guiding factor as MDOT explores opportunities provided by the infrastructure bill and builds our final CTP in the coming months.
“MDOT has been preparing and planning as the debates unfolded, so we are fully prepared to capitalize on this additional federal funding to strengthen Maryland's transportation system. We are continuing to develop a shelf of new projects and look forward to advancing projects from planning to construction thanks to this new funding."