ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 17, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced a series of $678 million in transit and highway improvements for Central Maryland designed to address traffic congestion and both BRAC and non-BRAC related growth. 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 of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Howard and Harford counties and Baltimore City:          
          
• $52 million for new MARC passenger coaches          
• $125 million for MARC Penn Line improvements          
• $17 million for MARC Camden Line improvements          
• $237 million for system preservation investments in MTA Metro, Light Rail and Bus          
• $92 million for intersections improvements near Fort Meade in Anne Arundel County and Aberdeen Proving Ground in Harford County          
• $48 million to widen northbound US 29 from two to three lanes from Seneca Drive to MD 175 and to build sound barriers in Howard County          
• $40 million for construction of Phase I of the Charles Street / Beltway Interchange to build a new Charles Street Bridge over the Beltway to improve traffic flow and safety for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians          
• $28 million in engineering funds for a new interchange at I-795 and Dolefield Road in Baltimore County          
• $11 million for streetscape improvements along US 40 from Middle River to MD 43 in Baltimore County, including resurfacing and landscaping that will also improve safety and traffic operations          
• $11 million for roadway improvements along Broening Highway to improve vital access to the Port of Baltimore          
• $8 million for a streetscape along Baltimore & Annapolis Boulevard from Dorsey Road to MD 10 in Glen Burnie           
• $3 million to improve traffic flow in the heart of Towson, including the Towson Roundabout          
• $3 million in engineering funds to widen MD 175 from MD 295 to MD 170 in Anne Arundel County          
• $3 million to complete engineering to widen MD 26 in Carroll County from Liberty Reservoir to MD 32          
          
In addition to these local investments, the State 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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