Officials Outline Six-Year Draft Budget and Provide Key Project Updates
Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld and other representatives of the Maryland Department of Transportation met today with Carroll 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.
Watch the livestream of the meeting here:
Here is the remainder of the press release: (note – I have bolded the section related to MD 140 and MD 91 – the issue followed closely by The Observer)
 “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; Motor Vehicle Administrator Chrissy Nizer; Maryland Transit Administration Local Transit Support Director Travis Johnston; Maryland Aviation Administration Regional Aviation Director Ashish Solanki; and Maryland Transportation Authority Planning and Program Development Director Melissa Williams. State Highway Administrator Pines told officials that in September, the agency completed a $4.9 million intersection improvement project on MD 140 at Mayberry Road. Improvements include extension of left-turn lanes in both eastbound and westbound directions, new deceleration and right-turn lanes in both directions, work on the shoulders to accommodate bicyclists, traffic signal upgrades and stormwater management improvements. He said the State Highway Administration is studying MD 97 (Littlestown Pike) between MD 140 and Bachman Valley Road for potential improvements to assist traffic operations, safety and future pedestrian and bicyclist access. The agency held a virtual public meeting October 19 to gather community input, and the study is expected to be complete in the spring. In Sykesville, the agency has begun construction on a $2.5 million project on MD 851 that will replace aging drainage infrastructure and upgrade sidewalks between Main Street and Springfield Avenue. The State Highway Administration is working with the county to coordinate water main replacement work that needs to done in this area. The overall project is anticipated to be complete next summer. Administrator Pines said nearly 200 people attended an open house in September to discuss potential improvements at the MD 140 and MD 91 intersection in Finksburg. He said the state is continuing to review and respond to questions and comments from the public and elected officials. 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 $2 million through the Recreation Trails Program for improvements along five miles of the Wakefield Valley Park Trail in Westminster. Officials noted other county allocations in the Draft Consolidated Transportation Program, including:
The Carroll 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. |
