BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, February 7, 2024) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is drafting a transportation planning budget for the upcoming fiscal year, proposing $10.6 million for a range of studies, plans and projects. A public comment period on the draft budget closes on March 11.

Staffed and supported by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the BRTB is the region’s federally mandated metropolitan planning organization. Most of the anticipated funding for the upcoming budget, formally titled the Unified Planning Work Program, comes from the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration, with additional contributions from the Maryland Department of Transportation and local jurisdictions.

“We often ask for feedback from community members on specific plans and projects,” said BMC Director of Transportation Todd Lang. “This is a chance for the public to weigh in on our overall budget and the work we’d like to achieve in the next year.”

The BRTB collaborated with planners in local jurisdictions and community members to develop the proposed budget based on ongoing work, regional priorities and feedback from previous public outreach. Funding items in the proposed budget for fiscal year 2025 include:

• Conducting a Transportation Needs Assessment to identify needs and challenges for users of the region’s transportation system, with a focus on vulnerable populations,
• Continuing the Transportation and Land Use Connection grant program, which quickly unlocks resources to help local jurisdictions improve bicycle and pedestrian facilities,
• Expanding the Look Alive road safety outreach campaign to reach more people who drive, bike and walk in the region through more creative and engaging methods,
• Planning a shared-use path connecting the Patapsco Light Rail Station to Baltimore’s Cherry Hill neighborhood, advancing another piece of the Patapsco Regional Greenway,
• Drafting the region’s next short-range transportation plan (with a five-year horizon) and laying the groundwork for the next long-range plan (with a twenty-year horizon).

These are just some of the items included in the draft budget. If the BRTB and federal regulators approve the transportation planning budget, planning staff at BMC will start this work when the fiscal year begins on July 1. Proposed new tasks are described in detail in the draft document, which is available online via publicinput.com/BRTBbudget.

Members of the public can comment on the draft transportation planning budget by Monday, March 11. After collaborating with local jurisdictions to review all comments and respond to questions, the BRTB will consider approval of the transportation planning budget at a meeting on Friday, April 19.

Ways to comment include:

• Online via a short survey at publicinput.com/BRTBbudget
• Sending an email to FY25BRTBbudget@publicinput.com
• Texting keyword ‘FY25BRTBbudget’ to 73224
• Leaving a voicemail toll-free via 855-925-2801x6880
• Finding us on Facebook, Instagram, X or LinkedIn (comments on social media posts are reviewed, but are not included in the official public record)

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Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.

BMC 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. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, October 18, 2023) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is developing designs for a 5.5 mile trail connecting the Guinness Open Gate Brewery to Southwest Area Park in Baltimore County. A comment period on the plans will close on December 5, 2023 and include a public meeting at the Baltimore County Library Arbutus Branch on November 1 at 6 p.m.

Working with Baltimore County, BMC released a study of four potential routes for the segment for public comment in March 2023. Analysis of the 31 comments on that study, which included positive sentiment toward the trail and thoughtful consideration of designs proposals, informed development of a ‘preferred alignment.’ Members of the public can share feedback once again before BMC completes a 30 percent design plan for the trail segment early next year.

The segment will be part of the Patapsco Regional Greenway (PRG), an envisioned 40-mile shared-use trail connecting Baltimore’s Inner Harbor to Sykesville in Carroll County along the Patapsco Valley. To date, over 12 miles of the PRG are complete.

Learn more about the project and how to comment at publicinput.com/prg.

Anyone wishing to discuss the project in more detail is welcome to join a public meeting at the Baltimore County Library, Arbutus Branch on Wednesday, November 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Parking on site, transit accessible via MTA Local Link 76 at Southwest Park & Ride, MTA Local Link 32 at Oregon Avenue & Elm Road or via the MARC train at Halethorpe. Anyone who cannot attend may view meeting materials at publicinput.com/prg.

Members of the public are encouraged to share comments on the preferred alternative by Sunday, December 5, 2023.

Ways to comment include:

• Online at publicinput.com/prg
• Email prgswareapark@publicinput.com
• Call 855-925-2801 x2711 toll free and leave a voicemail
• Text keyword 'prgswareapark' to 73224
• Reach @BaltoMetroCo on social media with #BRTBListens
• Join our public meeting Wednesday, November 1 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Baltimore County Public Library, Arbutus Branch, 955 Sulphur Spring Road, Arbutus MD 21227

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Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) works collaboratively with the chief elected officials in the region to create initiatives to improve quality of life and economic vitality. As the Baltimore region’s council of governments, BMC hosts the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) and supports local government by coordinating efforts in a range of policy areas including emergency preparedness, housing, cooperative purchasing, environmental planning and workforce development.

BMC 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. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Cynthia Burch is a Transportation Planner for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Cindy! To get started, please tell us more about your work on safety.

I focus on traffic safety planning and programming throughout the region. I am an epidemiologist/researcher and joined BMC five years ago to support local planning. I work with a lot of local partners in the development and implementation of Strategic Highway Safety Plans (SHSP). All states must have a safety plan, our focus on local safety plans will help make our roads, drivers and non-motorists safer and aim to eliminate crash-related deaths. I also support other safety planning in the region, facilitate a safety subcommittee and work closely with state partners.

Right. Folks might recognize the #VisionZero and #BeTheDriver messages we share on social media. And what do you do to support Resilience 2050?

Safety is a priority in all projects, from planning to design to building. During the project proposal phase, I review each submission and score it for safety benefits. That criteria includes a connection to the agency’s local safety plan and benefit to an underserved area in the region. This year, the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board updated the project selection methodology to give a boost to projects prioritizing safety, which is critical to helping us pursue the vision of a safer transportation system for all users.

Nice! And you mentioned your committee. Who are the key partners you work with?

The primary safety partners are the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board in the region and the Maryland Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office (MHSO). Local safety plans are designed to be multi-disciplinary and involve many different agency types for implementing projects. Key partners for increasing safety and eliminating deaths include, but are not limited to: engineers, planners, law enforcement, emergency medical services, school systems, health departments, non-profit organizations and community organizations.

And what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

Unfortunately, there has been a significant change in driving behaviors in the last five years that has resulted in more fatalities and serious injuries on our roadways. We are focused on turning that around and believe that a holistic approach with many different partners will yield improvement. Many partners both inside and out of traditional transportation fields are focused and trying new projects to save lives. This is particularly important for non-motorists, as pedestrians, bicyclists and others not in motor vehicles are the most vulnerable road users.

This is crucial work, so thank you. How can folks learn more and get involved?

Please feel free to reach out to me about safety planning throughout the region and I’m happy to make connections with the local safety teams. Being engaged at the local, regional or state level is appreciated and encouraged. The Baltimore Regional Safety Subcommittee meets quarterly and all meetings are open to the public. Please refer to our website for dates and times of upcoming meetings. Last, but far from least, please be a conscious and conscientious user of the transportation network. Slow down, put the phone down, driver sober and use sidewalks and bike lanes as intended.

That's all from Cynthia, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Air Quality, Climate Resilience and Project Implementation. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Eileen Singleton is a Principal Transportation Engineer for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Eileen! Let's dive in. Please tell us a bit about you and your work.

I’m a civil engineer, and when I joined BMC in 1998, I was hired to work on projects related to planning for intelligent transportation systems, or ITS. ITS projects use technology and interagency communications to improve how the transportation network operates. One example is the use of cameras and sensors to “see” traffic, and, using web and phone applications, to let travelers and operators know what’s going on. Another example is providing real time arrival information to transit riders. Climate resilience was not an explicit focus of my work back then but the resilience of the transportation network was certainly enhanced by the use of ITS, allowing the most people to use these facilities without building capacity and providing awareness of conditions to system operators and travelers. Over the last several years, my work expanded to include climate resilience explicitly, and we’ve developed documents to support climate resilience preparedness in departments of public works (DPWs) and transportation (DOTs): Climate Change Resource Guide and Climate Resilience Guidance for Local Jurisdictions. 

Wow! This type of work is more urgent than ever. How does it fit into the preparation of Resilience 2050?

The Climate Change Resource Guide includes a chapter on historical climate trends and climate projections for the region. The information from this chapter was incorporated into the climate resilience chapter of Resilience 2050. And much of the Climate Change and Resilience White Paper developed for Resilience 2050 is taken from that Guide. The Guide also includes examples of climate adaptation strategies that can be used to reduce the impacts of climate change on DOT and DPW resources. Considerations of equity have been incorporated throughout Resilience 2050, and it is especially important to consider climate resilience of populations that have traditionally felt more of the burden of climate change impacts, including people of color, those who are low-income or have disabilities, children, and the elderly.

Speak on it! And who are the key partners you engage in this effort?

The target audience for the two climate projects is local DPWs and DOTs. In addition to staff from these agencies, we had participation by local staff members from planning and sustainability offices as well as state and federal partners. Each project had a steering committee that met with the consultant team several times to provide input on the documents. These partners also reviewed drafts of all documents and attended smaller topic-focused meetings with the consultant team. The Climate Resilience for Local Jurisdictions project also included three workshops – focused on transportation, water, and stormwater – and an even wider range of partners attended those to ensure our work is coordinated across agencies and levels of government. As local DPWs and DOTs incorporate resilience strategies, they will include a wider range of stakeholders from within their jurisdictions as well as from their communities

Speaking of, what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

A few things come to mind: 

• The climate of our region has been changing (refer to Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide). Annual average temperature has been increasing over the last century and there is a clear upward trend. Also, sea levels in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries have been rising, leading to significant increases in “nuisance flooding” (i.e., flooding from high tides even during sunny days).
• Our local DPWs and DOTs have been seeing and responding to impacts from the changing climate (refer to Chapter 3 of the Climate Change Resource Guide).
• Climate change impacts have been felt disproportionately by vulnerable populations, including people of color, those who are low-income or have disabilities, children, and the elderly.
• Temperatures are projected to increase dramatically in our region in the coming decades (refer to Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide).
• Total precipitation is not projected to increase that much overall but we will continue to experience more extreme precipitation events, like the major floods in Old Ellicott City in 2016 and 2018 (refer to Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide).
• These changes have and will continue to directly impact our transportation network. Our DPWs and DOTs must continue to incorporate these changes into their plans, projects, and programs so our transportation network remains as resilient as possible and all of us can travel as safely and efficiently as possible.

Thanks. Lastly, how can folks learn more and stay involved?

If you’d like to learn more about our climate resilience work, you can check out our recent Climate Change Resource Guide and Climate Resilience Guidance for Local Jurisdictions. Chapter 2 of the Climate Change Resource Guide has an overview of how our region’s climate has changed and how it is projected to change between now and 2100. The Climate Change and Resilience White Paper also outlines some of the key topics from the Climate Change Resource Guide

That's all from Eileen, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Air Quality, Project Implementation and Safety. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Anna Marshall is an Environmental Planner for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Anna! First thing first, tell us about you and your work.

I serve as the environmental planner with a main focus on air quality. I lead the air quality conformity process, which is a federally required process under the Clean Air Act, as well as monitor and research new policies and goals from federal agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or major pollutants. I also work at Clean Air Partners, which is a non-profit serving residents in the D.C. and Baltimore metro region about air quality, how ozone is created and how people can help reduce emissions. 

Nice! Folks might recognize Clean Air Partners content from our social media channels. How does this work fit into the preparation of Resilience 2050?

The air quality conformity process is an integral component of Resilience 2050. Unfortunately, the Baltimore region does not yet meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards, or NAAQS, for ground-level ozone. As a result, the EPA has classified the region as a moderate nonattainment area for the 2015 8-hour ozone standard, which is 70 parts per billion (ppb). Because of this classification, we need to complete the air quality conformity determination process to demonstrate that the transportation projects detailed in Resilience 2050 will not cause new air quality violations, worsen existing violations or delay timely attainment of air quality standards.

And who are the key partners supporting you in this process?

Part of my role is leading the Interagency Consultation Group meetings, in which representatives from Maryland Department of the Environment, Maryland Department of Transportation and the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board are the voting members. Clean Air Partners is also a great resource, providing important information and messaging that can be shared with a variety of audiences.

Speaking of, what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

Ground level ozone, or smog, is caused by tailpipe emissions from cars, trucks and other vehicles. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are emitted into the air while driving, and these gases then react with sunlight to create ozone. There is an opportunity to reduce ozone emissions by implementing transportation projects that reduce congestion, increase bike and pedestrian activities, and reduce Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT). We’re on the right track. Air quality in the Baltimore region has been improving, and ozone pollution has decreased. Small changes in your everyday routine can make a difference! Things like:

• Combine your errands into one trip
• Telework at least one day per week, if possible
• Bike or walk to work, and carpool!
• Don’t top off your gas tank once it is full. The extra gas will just evaporate off.
• Keep up with regular maintenance of your car. Not only will you be safer, the car will be more efficient.
• Limit outdoor activities and driving on high ozone days. You can check the air quality forecast where you live at: cleanairpartners.net

Taking notes here! How can folks learn more and stay involved?

You can visit cleanairpartners.net to get daily air quality forecasts, more information about air pollution, and ways you can help keep the air clean. You can also check out more information about our environmental work at baltometro.org/environment/planning-areas/air-quality. 

That's all from Anna, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Climate Resilience, Project Implementation and Safety. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Thanks for your interest in Reaching Resilience 2050, our Q&A series fleshing out the people and processes behind our latest long-range transportation plan. To read the plan in full, explore potential projects near you and learn how to share your feedback, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

Regina Aris is Assistant Director of Transportation for Baltimore Metropolitan Council.

Hi Regina! To start off, tell us a little about your work at BMC.

I manage our team of subject matter experts to facilitate the planning processes for short- and long-term investments in our region’s transportation system. These investments support operations, system preservation and expansion of road, transit and bicycle/pedestrian facilities. At every stage, we follow federal rules for adopting plan goals and strategies, project prioritization, financial forecasting and public engagement to ensure that projects align with regional and local priorities. The plans prepared by our staff lay the foundation for funding, design and construction of new projects.

And how does this work fit into the preparation of Resilience 2050?

We develop a new long-range transportation plan (LRTP) every four years, and Resilience 2050 is our latest. This is where it all starts. MDOT and local jurisdictions submit candidate projects for inclusion in the LRTP, which we score on metrics such as priority, mobility and accessibility, safety and the environment. For Resilience 2050, we received 98 candidate projects and included 92 in the plan. We draw from projects in the LRTP to develop a short-range Transportation Improvement Program (TIP). When the TIP is approved, funding starts to flow.

Good stuff. Who are the key partners supporting this process?

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board, which includes members representing the local jurisdictions and state agencies supporting our region’s transportation system, guides and approves our planning work. We work closely with these partners to develop and implement planned projects. We also work with expert consultants to tackle project-specific challenges. Additionally, local businesses, nonprofits and members of the public are important stakeholders to engage. We collect and consider feedback at every stage of planning, and we’re grateful to everyone who engages with our work.

Preach! And what key highlights do you hope folks take away?

In our outreach around previous short- and long-range plans, we heard clear calls to prioritize transit investments. For Resilience 2050, we altered our project scoring methodology to make transit projects eligible for more points than roadway projects. As a result, the plan includes all 36 of the transit projects submitted, and 56 of the 62 roadway projects submitted. We also increased the number of points for safety in response to the tragic uptick in deaths and serious injuries our transportation system has seen in recent years. We want to reverse this trend.

How can folks learn more and stay involved?

By following our social media channels, subscribing to our newsletters and checking our website now and then is a great start. This is where we’ll share more detailed plans for specific projects and the associated public involvement opportunities. When you see us asking for comments on a reconstructed bus facility, a trail extension or a bridge replacement, please take a few minutes to learn more and let us know your thoughts. Join our public meetings if you can. We’d love to have you.

That's all from Regina, but check out our other Reaching Resilience 2050 entries on Air Quality, Climate Resilience and Safety. To learn more about our Resilience 2050 long-range transportation plan, please visit publicinput.com/Resilience2050.

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, August 22, 2022) -- The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, is seeking comments from the public through Friday, October 7 on the draft 2022 Public Participation Plan (PPP).

Details about the PPP and how to provide comments, are available below.

Draft 2022 PPP | How to Comment

Draft 2022 Public Participation Plan

The Public Participation Plan serves as a guide for residents in the Baltimore region to navigate the regional transportation planning process. It also outlines the policies and procedures that the BRTB and staff follow while educating and engaging the public. Lastly, the Participation Plan includes a toolkit of public engagement practices and an evaluation process. 

The mission of the BRTB’s Public Participation Plan is to provide an open process that offers reasonable access to information, timely public notice, full public access to key decisions, and support for early and continued involvement of a diverse group of stakeholders.

The draft 2022 Public Participation Plan updates the existing PPP, adopted in 2018. The proposed updates were made after a review of other PPPs, consultant recommendations, staff debriefs, and the results of a recent Public Participation Survey.

Highlights Of Changes

• Added virtual or hybrid meetings options for BRTB committee meetings and public meetings or events - the 2022 Public Participation Survey showed strong support for virtual options and the ongoing pandemic has shown the need for virtual options.
• Added new ways to comment such as voicemail, text, and through our PublicInput engagement hub
• Clarified how to submit comments via social media
• Updated accessibility policy to use plain and inclusive language
• Added information about (Presidential) Executive Order 13985 – Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
• Reorganized several sections to streamline information and make it easier to understand policies

Download the Public Participation Plan (2022 draft update)

Share Your Thoughts

Public comments are welcome from Monday, August 22 through Friday, October 7, 2022.  The BRTB will vote on these documents at their meeting on Tuesday, November 22, 2022. 

Join Us for a Virtual Public Meeting

Those interested in learning more about the Draft PPP may do so during a virtual public meeting on: Tuesday, September 20 at noon via Zoom. Register via PublicInput.

To share your thoughts and ideas, send all comments to:

Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m.:

• Tuesday, August 23
• Tuesday, September 27
• Tuesday, October 25
• Tuesday, November 22 (scheduled vote).

How Your Comments Will Be Used

All BRTB members will receive a copy of the comments prior to taking action. The BRTB and staff will review all comments received and make any changes to the draft PPP in October and November.  All organizations/individuals who submit a comment in writing and include their contact information will receive a response to their comment.

For more information:

Contact Public Involvement Coordinator Monica Haines Benkhedda by email at mhainesbenkhedda@baltometro.org or by phone at 410-732-0500 x 1047.

UPDATE: Responses to comments received during the comment period on the draft 2022 Public Participation Plan.

NOTICE

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board 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.

Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usuarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1

Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, seeks comments from the public through Monday, August 1 on two transportation-related documents – the draft 2023-2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and the associated Air Quality Conformity Determination.

Returning this year is an interactive project map, in which the public can view projects and offer comments. Staff have also created an interactive story map to offer the public an easy way to learn more about these plans. Details about the TIP and Conformity Determination, as well as how to provide comments, are available below.

Draft 2023-2026 TIP | Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination | How to Comment

Draft 2023 – 2026 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP)

The draft 2023-2026 TIP is the list of regional transportation projects requesting federal funding in the near term. It includes $4.26 billion in proposed funding (federal, state, local, toll revenue) for highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects during the next four years. The funding goes toward maintaining, operating and expanding the transportation system. These projects support regional goals such as accessibility, safety, and prosperity. Funding identified in the TIP is based on funding reasonably expected to be available from all sources.

The draft 2023-2026 TIP includes 132 projects, 7 of which are new to this year’s TIP, 6 were in previous TIPs but were removed due to lack of funding, and 3 projects have moved from Anne Arundel County to MDOT SHA. Highlights include:

• Anne Arundel County is dedicating nearly $16 million in funding for a multi-modal Transportation Center in Parole at the Westfield Annapolis Mall to serve existing local and regional bus service, with possible future connectivity to modes such as bikeshare, carshare, and ride hailing services.
• Baltimore City, in partnership with the state of Maryland, is investing $50 million in an RAISE Transit Priority Project (formerly the East-West Priority Bus Corridor), which will provide a comprehensive suite of investments facilitating more efficient transit trips, improving multi-modal connections, and addressing existing safety issues. The project will improve bus service between east and west Baltimore and will help to reduce emissions.
• Baltimore, Carroll and Harford Counties are dedicating federal and local funding for 28 essential bridge improvement projects.
• Howard County continues progress on a $24 million project on Snowden River Parkway: Broken Land Parkway to Oakland Mills Road which add a third lane along Snowden River Parkway in each direction and will provide new 10-foot shared-use paths in an effort to increase transportation alternatives to access public transit.
• MDOT SHA is dedicating $180.2 million to reconstruct the interchange of I-695 at I-70 to improve safety, operations and capacity. MDOT SHA is also dedicating $133 million to widen I-695: US 40 to MD 144 to provide safety and capacity improvements.
• The Maryland Port Administration is partnering with CSX to leverage federal grant funding to reconstruct the 125-year-old Howard Street Tunnel in order to create double-stack rail access to and from the Port of Baltimore. Adjustments to several other bridges in Baltimore City are included in this project.
• MDTA also continues engineering and construction on a $1.1 billion project in Baltimore and Harford Counties adding two additional Express Toll Lanes on I-95 from north of MD 43 to north of MD 24. This project is funded with toll revenues.

Please view the draft 2023-2026 TIP through the BRTB’s interactive project map or learn more in our story map.

The draft 2023-2026 TIP is also available in PDF format for download:

Draft 2023-2026 TIP 

Introduction and Background  |  Financial Plan

Projects by jurisdiction: Low-income and Minority Concentration  |  Appendices

Projects in the draft TIP are also available to review in pdf format by project sponsor, either a local jurisdiction or state agency:

Anne Arundel County  |  Baltimore City  |  Baltimore County

Carroll County  |  Harford County  |  Howard County

Maryland Port Administration  |  Maryland Transportation Authority

MDOT MTA  |  MDOT SHA and the Office of the Secretary

Analysis of Air Quality Conformity

The Baltimore region does not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards and so must review its transportation plans and programs to ensure conformity with the State Air Quality Implementation Plan (SIP).

The Air Quality Conformity Determination report details a comprehensive analysis of Baltimore region mobile source emissions as a result of implementing the Draft 2023-2026 TIP. Highlights of the report include:

• Staff from BMC and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) used the Motor Vehicle Emission Simulator (MOVES) 2014a model, developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to analyze the amount of mobile source emissions generated from vehicle travel associated with the implementation of the projects in the draft TIP and LRTP
• The report addresses mobile source emissions of VOC and NOx, which are precursors of ground-level ozone emissions.
• Adopted forecasts for population, housing, and employment in the Baltimore region were used for this conformity analysis.
• Current data about the types and purpose of vehicles, fuel data, and meteorological data were used as inputs into the analysis.
• Projected mobile source emissions for the Draft 2023-2026 TIP are well below the motor vehicle emission budgets set in the state implementation plan, or SIP.
• Implementation of the projects proposed in the Draft 2023-2026 TIP will not worsen the region’s air quality or delay the timely attainment of national air quality standards.

The conformity determination is available in PDF format for download. Download the Draft Conformity Determination of the draft 2023-2026 TIP:

Conformity Determination | Appendices

Share Your Thoughts

Public comments are welcome from Wednesday, June 29 through Monday, August 1, 2022. The BRTB will vote on these documents at their meeting on Tuesday, August 23, 2022.

View comments received | BRTB Responses to Comments

Join Us for a Virtual Public Meeting

Those interested in learning more about the Draft 2023-2026 TIP and Air Quality Conformity Determination may do so during a virtual public meeting on:

• Tuesday, July 26 at 7 p.m.

To share your thoughts and ideas, send all comments to:

Comments are also welcome during the public comment opportunity at the BRTB meetings at 9 a.m. on Tuesday July 26 or Tuesday, August 23 (scheduled vote).

Note: MDOT MTA, in lieu of a separate mandated public comment period, has exercised its option to use the procedures of the BRTB’s public involvement process for the Draft 2023-2026 TIP. The public participation process for the TIP meets the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) public participation requirements for MDOT MTA’s Program of Projects (POP).

For more information:

Contact Regina Aris, assistant transportation director, by email at raris@baltometro.org, or by phone at 410-732-9572.

Notice

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board 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.
Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usuarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1
Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.

BRTB seeks feedback on public participation process

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is currently reviewing its policies related to public involvement and outreach as part of an effort to update the Public Participation Plan.

The BRTB has developed a short survey to gather input from key stakeholders and members of the public and we would like your feedback!

Questions include:

• What are the barriers to your participation in the regional planning process?
• Do you attend public meetings?  If so, do you prefer virtual or in person?
• Do you feel as if your comments make a difference in a transportation plan or project?
• What kinds of information would you like to see BMC and the BRTB share?
• What suggestions do you have to improve public participation and engagement?

Survey responses will help to shape the update to the BRTB Public Participation Plan, which will be released for a 45-day comment period during the summer. 

Take our survey on public participation now at publicinput.com/2022publicparticipation. This survey can be translated into over 100 different languages using the embedded google translate tool. You can also take the survey via text by texting the phrase ‘2022publicparticipation’ to the number 73224. If you want a print copy, please request one from the Public Involvement Coordinator at 410-732-0500 x1047 or 2022publicparticipation@PublicInput.com.  You may also talk with someone who can record your survey responses.

Comments are welcome through May 27, 2022.

NOTICE

The BRTB, as the metropolitan planning organization (MPO) for the Baltimore region, seeks to provide an open process that offers reasonable access to information, timely public notice, full public access to key decisions, and support for early and continued involvement of stakeholders in the metropolitan transportation planning process.

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board 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.

Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usuarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1

Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.