HANOVER, Md. — The Maryland Department of Transportation on Tuesday released a draft $21.9 billion transportation budget covering fiscal years 2027 through 2032.
"The transportation investments outlined in the Maryland Department of Transportation's six-year capital budget will support the system's critical needs and act as a springboard for the state's further economic growth," said Transportation Secretary Katie Thomson.
Some of the key initiatives being prioritized by this draft CTP include:
- Completing the Purple Line
- Advancing the Key Bridge Rebuild
- Supporting Port of Baltimore growth
- Advancing safety and capacity projects statewide
- Supporting aviation at Martin State Airport and BWI
- Adding a Columbia Branch of the Motor Vehicle Administration
- Investing in transit assets, including the Light Rail Modernization Program and ongoing planning for the Red Line
"Despite a challenging financial environment, MDOT is steadfast in advancing our core priorities and embracing modernization to enhance operations," said Thomson.
"We will have to leverage every existing dollar and put it to the highest and best use," said an MDOT official. "This year, also, there will be no new dollars for brand new capital projects in the CTP, but you will see us continuing to fund sort of must-fund projects."
Rising costs continue to outpace revenue, contributing to the state's transportation funding challenges.
WMAR-2 News' Mallory Sofastaii asked the secretary about shoring up the state's Transportation Trust Fund (TTF) and whether the department is exploring alternatives to the gas tax, such as a mileage-based user fee.
"We are only starting to have those conversations, and it's going to be a collaboration of the governor's office and his priorities and the leadership and members across the General Assembly with input from DBM and the Department of Transportation," said Thomson. "But I personally believe we should be open to all options that may be viable, but we also have to take into account the impact that it has on individual taxpayers. So all options that are viable should be on the table, but we need to be thoughtful about the short-term and long-term implications both for Maryland taxpayers and for the general fund and what it means for TTF."
You can find the full draft CTP on MDOT's website here.
