​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  

LA PLATA, MD (October 17, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Charles County officials to discuss the department's six-year Draft FY 2024-2029 Consolidated Transportation Program. The 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 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 of projects affecting Charles County. In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending included State Highway Administrator William Pines; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold; Maryland Aviation Administration Regional Aviation Director Ashish Solanki and Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Joey Sagal.

State Highway Administrator Pines told officials the department completed a feasibility study for improvements along MD 6 in La Plata this past summer, and is planning for the $11.4 million project to improve safety and accessibility between US 301 and Willow Lane. Administrator Pines also said the department recently installed a new signal at the intersection of MD 488 and Radio Station Road in
La Plata to enhance safety and improve operations, and is working with the county's Department of Public Works on litter and debris removal along state and county roads. 

He also noted that last month, Governor Wes Moore announced more than $25 million federal and state grants for 40 bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects across Maryland, including:

• $1.8 million from the Recreation Trails Program for the first phase of the Pope's Creek Trail; and
• another $1.8 million between the Transportation Alternative Program and the Maryland Department of Transportation's Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program for the La Plata Bikeway Radio Station Roadside Path.

Maryland Transportation Authority Executive Director Joey Sagal said after completion last year of the new Nice-Middleton Bridge, removal of the superstructure of the former span has been completed, and the substructure removal will continue into 2024. Materials from the older span are being used to create artificial reef sites to provide aquatic shelter and habitat for marine life.

Maryland Transit Administrator Arnold said the agency is advancing the planning process for the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project, which is proposed to provide high-capacity transit service in the MD 5/US 301 corridor between Charles and Prince George's counties. The project has $20 million allocated in state and federal funding, and the transit administration is working with both counties on agreements to move the project into the required National Environmental Protection Act process.

Officials noted other local allocations in the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program, including:

• $7.5 million in operating and capital grants to support county transit operations; and
• $49,000 in highway safety grants to the Charles County Sheriff's Office.

The Charles 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.