<span>MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MEETS WITH CECIL 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

ELKTON, MD (October 31, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Cecil 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 economy 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.

In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending Tuesday's meeting included State Highway Administrator William Pines; Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Melissa Williams; Maryland Transit Administration Deputy Administrator Kate Sylvester; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; and Maryland Aviation Administration Regional Aviation Director Ashish Solanki.

State Highway Administrator Pines said Governor Wes Moore recently announced more than $25 million in federal and state grants for 40 bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects across Maryland, including $600,000 for Marina Park in Port Deposit through the Transportation Alternatives Program. The grant will help complete design of a boat ramp, pedestrian access and parking for visitors using the Lower Susquehanna Scenic Byway and Captain John A. Smith Water Trail.

He also said the MD 222 sidewalk project from Cedar Corner Road to St. Mark's Church Road is being designed and is funded for construction. Installation of the sidewalk will make walking safer for students at Perryville High School and the greater community. The state expects to advertise for bids in fall 2024. The state also is designing a sidewalk project for MD 222 from south of High Street to Mill Street.

He said the state also has begun the $3.4 million project at the US 40 intersection with Nottingham Road and Old Elk Neck Road for safety improvements and addition of traffic signals. He said the project is expected to be completed in fall 2024.

Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Williams updated officials on the $85 million I-95 interchange project at Belvidere Road. The project, which was aided by a $20 million federal Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development grant, will improve truck access to I-95 and support development at the Principio Business Park.

Maryland Transit Deputy Administrator Sylvester said the agency is considering expansion options for MARC rail service, and is talking with neighboring states to explore ways to close the gap between MARC and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority service, as well as possible run-through service to Virginia. Deputy Administrator Sylvester encouraged the public to take part in the update of the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan. The agency is seeking public comment through December 4.

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

$1.2 million in operating and capital grants to support local transit operations in Cecil County;
$128,000 in a Statewide Transit Innovation Grant to upgrade Cecil County's transit demand response software; and
$20,000 in highway safety grants to law enforcement agencies and organizations in Cecil County.

The Cecil 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.