<span>MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION MEETS WITH SOMERSET 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

PRINCESS ANNE, MD (October 3, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Somerset 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 Tuesday's meeting, transportation officials offered details and updates of several projects and programs affecting Somerset County. In addition to Secretary Wiedefeld, officials attending included State Highway Deputy Administrator for Project Development Matt Baker; Motor Vehicle Deputy Administrator Leslie Dews; Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Melissa Williams; Maryland Transit Administration Local Transit Support Director Travis Johnston; and Maryland Aviation Administration Regional Aviation Director Ashish Solanki.

State Highway Deputy Administrator Baker said that a new traffic signal at US 13 (Ocean Highway) and MD 822 (UMES Boulevard) became operational in June, enhancing pedestrian and motorist safety. This $1.6 million project will help addresses increased traffic from the Somerset Crossing/Princess Anne Commons development.

He also said the agency is progressing on the Bicycle-Pedestrian Pathway project along MD 413, a 12-mile-long trail to run along the historic Eastern Shore Railroad next to MD 413, between Crisfield and Westover. Phase 1, between Crisfield and Marion Station, was completed in 2020. Phase 2 is now in design for the area between Marion Station and Westover, and is funded for $21 million. Construction is anticipated in 2024.

Deputy Administrator Baker also noted that $400,000 has been awarded through the Maryland Department of Transportation's Kim Lamphier Bikeways Network Program for the final design of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Circulation Trail in Princess Anne. This project is part of more than $25 million in federal and state grants announced last month by Governor Wes Moore for 40 bicycle, pedestrian and trail projects across Maryland.

Transportation officials noted other allocations for Somerset County in the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program, including:

$4 million in operating and capital grants to support local transit operations provided by Shore Transit; and
$16,000 in highway safety grants to law enforcement agencies in county, including the Somerset County Sheriff's Office and the Princess Anne Police Department.

The Somerset 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.