<span>MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MEETS WITH WICOMICO COUNTY OFFICIALS AS PART OF STATEWIDE TRANSPORTATION TOUR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Maryland Department of Transportation Office of Public Affairs
David Broughton, 410-865-1029
Jim Joyner, 410-865-1030

Officials Outline Six-Year Draft Budget and Provide Key Project Updates

SALISBURY, MD (September 19, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Wicomico County officials to discuss the department's six-year Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program. The spending plan calls for a $21.2 billion, six-year investment to create a safer, cleaner, efficient and accessible transportation system connecting Marylanders to jobs, schools, recreation, health care and essential services.

“Delivering safe, reliable, equitable and sustainable transportation is critical to Maryland's economic health and the vibrancy of neighborhoods across the state. This Draft CTP is inspired by that mission," said Secretary Wiedefeld. “We know there are challenges ahead, and we are committed to fiscal responsibility and collaboration with local communities, stakeholders and elected officials as we deliver the transportation network Marylanders need and deserve."

The Draft Consolidated Transportation Program includes funding to maintain existing transportation facilities, expand transit opportunities, invest in Maryland's economic growth and support the state's long-term goals for mobility, safety, equity, environmental stewardship and economic growth. To view the full Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program, go to ctp.maryland.gov.

The program allocates funding for electric vehicle infrastructure, as well as investment in the transition to zero-emission transit buses and other carbon reduction and resiliency programs, establishing Maryland as national leader in addressing climate goals. The program also includes funding to promote Transit-Oriented Development to spur economic growth in transit corridors, and for projects to support Complete Streets – an initiative to make Maryland's roadways safer and more accessible for all users, and help reduce the number of roadway fatalities and injuries.

The program outlines investments in each mode funded by the Transportation Trust Fund: Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, State Highway Administration and The Secretary's Office, as well as Maryland's investment in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

The plan also includes an additional $2.7 billion investment planned by the Maryland Transportation Authority. Receiving no funds from the Transportation Trust Fund, the Maryland Transportation Authority's toll facilities are fully financed, constructed, operated, maintained, improved and protected with toll revenues paid by customers using those facilities.

At Tuesday's meeting, transportation officials offered details and updates of several projects and programs affecting Wicomico County. In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending included State Highway Administrator William Pines; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Joseph “Joey" Sagal; Maryland Transit Administration Local Transit Support Deputy Director Tanya Nichols; and Maryland Aviation Administration Regional Aviation Director Ashish Solanki.

State Highway Administrator Pines said the agency has initiated a sidewalk project along 1.3 miles of US 13 between Centre Road and Dagsboro Road in Salisbury designed to enhance pedestrian safety. The project includes installation of 5-foot-wide sidewalks, pedestrian signals and crosswalks, as well as stormwater management features.

Administrator Pines also said construction is expected to begin next year on the replacement bridge along US 13 Business over the Wicomico River, also in Salisbury. The original timber bridge, constructed in 1937, has a posted weight restriction limiting commercial vehicle access.

Transportation officials noted other allocations for Wicomico County in the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program, including:

$3.8 million in operating and capital grants to support transit offered by Shore Transit and the Town of Ocean City;
$556,000 for Salisbury Regional Airport to support its runway expansion project; and
$240,000 in highway safety grants for agencies including the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office, the Salisbury and Fruitland police departments, Wor-Wic Community College and Maryland Soybean Board.

Additionally, the City of Salisbury will receive three grants from the Maryland Department of Transportation's Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program:

$400,000 for the Carroll Street Cycle Track project for construction of a hardscape-protected bikeway along Carroll Street from Riverside Circle to Snow Hill Road;
$200,000 for the East Side Bike Network for bikeways in Salisbury neighborhoods east of US 13 Business; and
$120,000 for final design for the Eastern Shore Drive Multi-Use Path at the Eastern Shore Drive section of Salisbury's Rail Trail System.

The Wicomico County meeting was part of the Maryland Department of Transportation's tour of all 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City to discuss the funding plan and receive input from local officials and the public. The tour continues into November. Dates and locations for upcoming sessions can be found here. The schedule is subject to change and will be updated as needed throughout the process.

Following the tour, the Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program will be finalized and submitted in January for consideration during the 2024 General Assembly session.