BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, July, 24th, 2019) - The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization for the region, voted to adopt two plans totaling $15.66 billion in key transportation projects planned for the region over the next 25 years. The action was taken at the BRTB’s meeting yesterday held at the Randallstown Community Center in Baltimore County. The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) provides staff support to the BRTB in its regional transportation planning efforts.
Over 200 projects are outlined in the two regional transportation investment plans – Maximize2045: A Performance-Based Transportation Plan and the 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). The BRTB and BMC staff hosted eight public meetings and accepted public comment between May 9 and June 18.
"We appreciate the staff, government partners and members of the public whose input shaped these important plans." said Michael B. Kelly, BMC’s Executive Director. “These guiding documents will help our region deliver a strong, accessible and connected transportation system that helps all people lead regional lives.”
Maximize2045 contains a list of major capital transportation projects totaling $12 billion, which the region expects to implement from 2024 to 2045. Maximize2045 includes $65 billion in planned investment overall, with $53 billion allocated for operations and preservation of transportation systems in the region. The plan also establishes the region's broad transportation goals and performance measures, which serve as guiding principles as the region plans and carries out projects. Developed over a two-year period, Maximize2045 takes into account anticipated funding levels through 2045, as well as future trends and demographics.
The 2020-2023 Transportation Improvement Program details more than $3.66 billion in proposed federal, state and local money for maintaining, operating and expanding highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian networks during the next four years.
As part of the development of these plans, the BRTB conducted a comprehensive Air Quality analysis, published in a Conformity Determination. The analysis shows that implementation of the projects in Maximize2045 and 2020-2023 TIP will not delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.
Other business on the BRTB’s agenda included a vote to install new executive officers for FY2020. Carroll County will serve as chair of the board this year, represented by Board of Commissioners President Stephen Wantz and empowered representative Lynda Eisenberg, Director of Planning. Anne Arundel County will serve as vice-chair, represented by County Executive Steuart Pittman and empowered representative Ramond Robinson, Transportation Officer.
The BRTB operates its programs and services without regard to race, color, or national origin in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and other applicable laws. Appropriate services can be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities or those in need of language assistance who submit a request at least seven days prior to a meeting. Call 410-732-0500.
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