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  

FREDERICK, MD (November 2, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Frederick 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 and maintained with toll revenues.

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

State Highway Administrator Pines told officials the agency completed work to construct an auxiliary lane to connect the Willow Road acceleration lane to the Monocacy Boulevard/Christopher's Crossing exit on southbound US 15. The project provides improved safety for neighborhoods around Willow Road.

This summer, the state started a project to replace the century-old MD 17 (Burkittsville Road) bridge over Middle Creek near Middletown. During construction, vehicles are using a single lane across the bridge, with signals at both ends so traffic can alternate. The project is expected to be completed in fall 2024. The new bridge will have two 12-foot lanes with a 10-foot shoulder on each side.

Administrator Pines said the state will replace the 96-year-old MD 77 (Rocky Ridge Road) bridge over Beaver Branch and under the Maryland Midland Railroad bridge beginning next summer.

He also said last month, Governor Wes Moore announced more than $25 million federal and state grants for 40 bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects across Maryland, including $60,000 for design of a comfort station for visitors of Brunswick and the C&O Canal Towpath, and $480,000 to design a path between Greenfield and Manor Woods roads. Both grants came through the Transportation Alternatives Program.

Maryland Transit Administrator Arnold said the state is contributing nearly $4.6 million in operating and capital grants through the agency to support local transit operations in Frederick County.

Regarding rail service, she said the MARC Brunswick Line Study is evaluating MARC expansion opportunities that could include additional train capacity and/or frequency. As part of the study, the agency has released a Brunswick Study Technical Report as well as results of an online survey. Maryland is talking with neighboring states to explore possible run-through service to Virginia, as well as ways to close the gap between MARC and Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority service. Administrator Arnold encouraged the public to take part in the update of the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan. The public comment period is open through December 4.

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

• $64,000 in a Statewide Transit Innovation Grant to Frederick County to upgrade its transit vehicles' on-board cameras;
• $36,000 for Frederick Municipal Airport for obstruction removal; and
• $35,000 in a highway safety grant to the Frederick Police Department.

The Frederick 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. Dates and locations for upcoming sessions can be found here. 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.