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
DENTON, MD (October 3, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Caroline 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 Caroline County. In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending included State Highway Deputy Administrator for Project Development Matt Baker; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Melissa Williams; Maryland Transit Administration Local Transit Support Director Travis Johnston; and Maryland Aviation Administration Regional Aviation Director Ashish Solanki.
State Highway Deputy Administrator Baker said the agency is planning for potential improvements along three miles of MD 404 from Harmony Road to Greenwood Road. A study looking at pedestrian and bicyclist safety improvements and traffic operations, as well as truck and agricultural traffic, is anticipated to be completed next spring. An in-person open house meeting planned for this fall. In addition, a public survey is available on the project website to gather feedback on the study.
Deputy Administrator Baker also said the State Highway Administration will advertise a $1 million contract for improvements at the MD 404 and MD 328 intersection, which will add turn lanes for safer traffic flow. Some interim improvements have already been made to help reduce intersection conflicts and improve traffic flow during peak school bus times.
Transportation officials noted other allocations for Caroline County in the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program, including more than $1.1 million in operating and capital grants to support local transit operations provided by Delmarva Community Transit. In addition, Delmarva Community Service will receive a $123,000 Statewide Transit Innovation Grant to install a propane station for propane powered vehicles, enabling Delmarva Community Transit to transition to a low-emission fleet.
Motor Vehicle Administrator Nizer discussed the state's Vision Zero initiative – the goal of achieving zero fatalities on Maryland roadways. She noted that jurisdictions and organizations are encouraged to apply for safety grants through the Maryland Highway Safety Office to use for enforcement and education efforts.
The Caroline 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.