ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 17, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced a series of transit and highway improvements for Western Maryland designed to address highway safety and improve MARC Train and local transit operations. The projects are included in Maryland’s six-year Consolidated Transportation Program.           
          
“Investing in transportation means investing in Maryland’s future,” said Governor O’Malley. “We are moving our State forward with projects that reflect a balanced approach to transportation. We will improve transit, help reduce traffic congestion and preserve the roads, bridges and rails we already have in place. This strong level of investment reflects our shared commitment to expand economic opportunities for Maryland’s families and small businesses, improve public safety and homeland security, and protect our quality of life.”          
          
Today, Governor O’Malley announced the following transportation investments that will positively impact the citizens Western Maryland Maryland:          
          
• $52 million for new MARC passenger coaches          
• $16 million for MARC Brunswick Line improvements          
• $20 million for new commuter bus coaches statewide          
• $6 million for resurfacing portions of I-68 in Allegany County          
• $5 million for resurfacing portions of I-81 in Washington County          
• $2 million for resurfacing portions of MD 42 in Garrett County          
• $1.6 million for highway safety improvements in Washington County          
• $2 million for new guardrails along I-68 in Allegany and Washington counties          
          
Governor O’Malley also has added $56.8 million in capital funding to buy buses and improve facilities used by locally-operated transit systems. Local transit agencies can apply for these funds as part of an annual application process administered by the Maryland Transit Administration. Also, approximately $7 million per year in additional funding will be available for operating assistance. The increase in funding is needed to address rising fuel, insurance and labor costs, but also supports the expansion of services to provide access to employment, medical care and other critical transportation needs.          
          
Governor O’Malley has added these projects to the six-year capital transportation program covering the years FY 2008-FY 2013. The six-year program, known as the Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), shows statewide investment in transportation will total $10.6 billion. Transportation in Maryland is funded through dedicated revenue sources flowing into the independent Transportation Trust Fund, separate from the state’s General Fund.          
          
An electronic version of the complete FY 2008-2013 Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program will be available later today at the following link:           
http://www.mdot.state.md.us/Planning/Plans%20Programs%20Reports/Programs/CTP%2008-13/Cover_ToC/Table%20of%20Contents          
          
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