ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 17, 2008) – Governor Martin O’Malley today announced a series of nearly $43 million in transit and highway improvements for the Eastern Shore designed to address traffic congestion and future 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 the Eastern Shore:          
          
• $18 million to dualize and widen the next phase of US 113 from Goody Hill Road to Massey Branch          
• $2.5 million in engineering funds to dualize and widen the next phase of MD 404 from MD 309 to Cemetery Road           
• $4 million to build a roundabout and sidewalks along the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Access Road providing students a safer route to school          
• $3 million to study expanding capacity along Nanticoke Road from US 50 to Rockawalkin Road in Salisbury          
• $2 million to complete project planning to improve traffic flow and safety along Race Track Road from US 50 to MD 90 near Ocean Pines          
• $1.6 million for drainage improvements to reduce flooding along US 13 and local roads in Salisbury          
• $7.3 million to upgrade rail lines on the Eastern Shore           
• $5 million to upgrade railroad grade crossings on the Eastern Shore          
          
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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