​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  

ELLICOTT CITY, MD (October 30, 2023) – Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Howard 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 Monday's meeting included State Highway Administrator William Pines; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold; Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director Ricky Smith; and Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Melissa Williams.

State Highway Administrator Pines discussed the recently completed $8.2 million project to widen MD 108 at Centennial Lane and Beaverbrook Road in the Columbia area. Improvements include new turning lanes, new bike lanes, a new second left-turn lane for eastbound MD 108 traffic and an extended right-turn lane for westbound MD 108 drivers. The project also widened parts of Centennial Lane, upgraded the pedestrian signal and crosswalk and installed a new traffic signal.

He said crews are now working on an $11.6 million project at MD 103 from US 29 to Long Gate Shopping Center. This project will increase capacity and improve operations by widening MD 103 to include a dedicated turn lane onto Old Columbia Pike and another dedicated lane onto northbound US 29. Other improvements include sidewalks and bike lanes, reconstructed traffic signals, relocated utilities and landscaping and stormwater management. Completion is expected next spring.

Administrator Pines also said two projects are underway to improve safety and accessibility along US 1:

• A $4.7 million project along the US 1 corridor is adding pedestrian and/or bicycle access features at four locations – Guilford Road, Brewers Court, Rowanberry Drive and Doctor Patel Drive. Guilford Road is receiving a new shared use path, and features at other sites include sidewalks, continental crosswalks and upgraded pedestrian signals. The project will be completed in 2024.
• On US 1 in the Jessup area, the State Highway Administration is constructing a sidewalk to fill a missing link from Cedar Avenue to Crestmount Road. The county is funding the right of way for the project, which should be completed this fall.

Administrator Pines 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:

• $4 million in the Transportation Alternatives Program for the Dobbin Road Shared-Use Pathway, a 1.4-mile path along the east side of Dobbin Road from MD 175 to Oakland Mills Road; and
• funding in the Recreation Trails Program for projects in Howard and Baltimore counties in Patapsco Valley State Park, including $243,000 for the Woodstock/Old Court Trail System and more than $57,000 for trail maintenance.

Maryland Transit Administrator Arnold the state is contributing $4.9 million in operating and capital grants to support local transit operations in Howard County.

In terms of rail service, she said the agency is considering expansion options for MARC, and 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 ongoing update of the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan. The agency is seeking public comment through December 4.

​Administrator Arnold updated officials on the status of the Red Line, the project to address a major gap in east-west transit service in Baltimore City, and the Purple Line light rail project between Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Planning is underway for the Red Line, with community open houses scheduled for November, and construction on the Purple Line is 58% complete. She said both projects will provide Howard County residents with improved regional connectivity.

Maryland Aviation Administration Executive Director Smith offered an update on the DC Metroplex Community Roundtable, which has worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to make modifications to airline flight procedures near Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. He said thanks to the work of the roundtable, the FAA intends to begin implementation of new local air traffic procedures next year designed to help address community concerns related to aircraft noise. He said the Maryland Aviation Administration is discussing options with the federal government to engage the public prior to those changes.

Motor Vehicle Administrator Nizer said Governor Wes Moore announced federal highway safety grants last month for organizations across Maryland, including $400,000 to law enforcement agencies and organizations in Howard County.

The Howard 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.