​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  

OAKLAND, MD (October 6, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Garrett 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 Friday's meeting, transportation officials offered details of projects affecting Garrett 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 updated officials on the replacement of a culvert on US 219 for a tributary of the Youghiogheny River near Red House. Construction began in July on the $2 million project, and completion is expected later this year. The agency also is replacing a bridge along MD 42 (Friendsville Road) over Buffalo Run. Completion is expected by the end of 2024.

Administrator Pines also said following enhancements to US 219 from I-68 to Old Salisbury Road in 2021, PennDOT, with support from Maryland, has led a study of US 219 to Meyersdale to consider the best location to connect to the Maryland section. PennDOT and the State Highway Administration will conduct environmental assessments and maintain community engagement. In-person and virtual meetings will take place in November. The project will improve connections, ensure safe travel and boost economic opportunities within the Appalachian Region.

Administrator Pines also noted grants for projects related to recreation trails. Through the Maryland Department of Transportation's Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program, Garrett County received:

• $68,000 for the Oakland to Herrington Manor State Park Trail Feasibility Study; and
• $52,000 for a pedestrian and bicycle concept plan that would connect MD 135 communities.
  

Additionally, grants from the Recreational Trails Program include:

• $420,000 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;
• $25,000 for Garrett County Planning and Land Management to pave a gravel path in the Bloomington Community Park to improve ADA access; and
• $40,000 to the town of Oakland for trail improvements to the Broadford Park Trail System.

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

• $900,000 in operating and capital grants to support local transit operations in Garrett County.
• $55,000 in highway safety grants to agencies and organizations including the Garrett County Sheriff's Office, the Board of County Commissioners and the Liquor Control Board; and
• $7,000 for navigation equipment at Garrett County Airport.

The Garrett 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.