<span>MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MEETS WITH ALLEGANY 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

CUMBERLAND, MD (October 5, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Allegany 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 Thursday's meeting, transportation officials offered details and updates of several projects and programs affecting Allegany County. In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending included State Highway Administrator William Pines; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Transit Administration Local Transit Support Director Travis Johnston; and Maryland Aviation Administration Chief Engineer Paul Shank.

State Highway Administrator Pines told officials the rehabilitation of the 63-year-old Mount Savage Road bridge near Barrelville – a primary travel route between Frostburg and Cumberland – is expected to be completed in summer 2024. Another project, the $5.5 million deck replacement for the MD 51 bridge over the C&O Canal, was completed this past spring.

Administrator Pines said data collection is complete on a plan to reopen the intersection of Winchester Road between McMullen Highway and Warrior Drive in Cresaptown to accommodate two-way traffic. He said the State Highway Administration expects to have 30% of the design process completed next year, with construction expected to start in spring 2026. The $12 million project will improve mobility and accessibility to the region's commercial center and developing areas.

He also noted the awarding of two grants for projects related to recreation trails:

$1 million in a Transportation Alternatives Program grant for the Chesapeake & Ohio National Historical Park to restore 11 miles of the C&O Canal Towpath in Allegany County; and
$420,000 in a Recreational Trails Program grant to the Department of Natural Resources for maintenance of non-motorized trails in the Western Region State Forests – Green Ridge, Savage River and Potomac-Garrett.

The grants, administered by the State Highway Administration, are among more than $25 million in federal and state awards announced last month by Governor Wes Moore for 40 bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects across Maryland.

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

$1.4 million in operating and capital grants to support local transit in the county;
$179,000 for continued runway rehabilitation at Greater Cumberland Regional Airport; and
$19,000 in highway safety grants to county law enforcement agencies including the Allegany County Sheriff's Office, Cumberland Police Department and Frostburg Police Department.

The Allegany 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.