1. How important is the Recovery Act to Maryland?
2. What is the Governor's philosophy about the impact of the stimulus?
3. How is Maryland DOT getting the word out about the projects?
4. Will locals get some of the stimulus funding for their projects?
5. What is meant by federal-aid eligible for highway projects?
6. Can these funds be used for projects on roads not on the network of federal-aid eligible highways?
7. Can these funds be used to provide the 20% match for local bridge projects using federal-aid?

1. How important is the Recovery Act to Maryland?

“The President’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will play a major role in jumpstarting Maryland’s economy and will support tens of thousands of jobs in our state in the coming months,” said the Transportation Secretary. “Governor O’Malley has taken a ‘One Maryland’ approach to ensure the stimulus package benefits are felt in every corner of the State.”

2. What is the Governor's philosophy about the impact of the stimulus?

At the direction of Governor Martin O’Malley, the Maryland Department of Transportation is prepared to maximize the benefit of the economic recovery funding being made available to the states. In order for an economic recovery plan to be effective, it must move quickly to preserve existing jobs and create even more jobs. Therefore, transportation funding in an economic recovery package is focused on “shovel ready” projects. These are projects that do not entail significant pre-construction (planning and/or design) work. In selection of the projects, Maryland’s highest priority was on system preservation – the repair and rebuilding of our roads, bridges, transit and other transportation infrastructure that is already in place. Transportation projects funded with these federal dollars are located in every region of the state. Please click here to see the list of Phase I and Phase II projects: Project Listing

3. How is Maryland DOT getting the word out about the projects?

MDOT will be focused on transparency and accountability as we move forward in awarding these projects. The process for the selection of the projects and the benefits of their construction will be made readily available to the public so that citizens can see what has been done and why. Project lists are now finalized for most of the transportation funds. Please click here to see the list of Phase I and Phase II projects: Project Listing

4. Will locals get some of the stimulus funding for their projects?

The Governor has made $62 million of funding available to local jurisdictions to use on local projects that are federal-aid eligible and ready to be advertised by late summer. More information will be made available to local jurisdictions as workshops being held between March 24th and March 30th for local government representatives to understand how they can take advantage of these funds. Please see this link for more information on these workshops: Local Allocation Workshops

5. What is meant by federal-aid eligible for highway projects?

Based upon language in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act all projects being funded through this action will be required to meet the existing criteria for federal-aid eligible projects. To better explain what is meant by federal-aid eligible please see this link: Highway Project Primer – Basic Federal-aid Requirements

6. Can these funds be used for projects on roads not on the network of federal-aid eligible highways?

Since these funds are eligible for activities described under 23 USC 133, the funds may be used for safety and bridge projects on any public road. This matter is documented in Section V.A. of the ARRA implementing guidance. For more information click here.

7. Can these funds be used to provide the 20% match for local bridge projects using federal-aid?

No, FHWA has confirmed that federal funds including Recovery Act funds can not be used to match federal funds from the local bridge program.