Press Release

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, February 10, 2025) –  The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) Board of Directors named Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman as the 2025 Chair at a meeting on Friday, January 17.  Baltimore City Mayor Brandon M. Scott will serve as Vice Chair, a role Pittman held in 2024.

“I’m honored to serve as the new chair of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council at a time when regional collaboration is more important than ever”, said County Executive Pittman. “I look forward to partnering with my colleagues to ensure that BMC continues to be a driving force for smart, equitable growth.”

Howard County Executive Calvin Ball moved to nominate County Executive Pittman to serve as chair, seconded by Carroll County Commissioner Ed Rothstein. The vote was unanimous. County Executive Pittman thanked BMC Staff for their hard work and welcomed Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier to the BMC Board of Directors.

County Executive Pittman was elected Anne Arundel County Executive in 2018, and re-elected in 2022. Raised on a farm in Anne Arundel County, he took over the farm’s hay production and became a nationally recognized horse trainer. He has more than three decades of experience managing nonprofits and small businesses and has always been a dedicated community organizer, centering compassion in his work with people and animals.

As County Executive, Pittman has pledged to make Anne Arundel County “The Best Place - For All,” by “Putting Communities First.” His strategy is to engage communities from every sector and to practice transparency and data-driven policymaking.

Mayor Brandon M. Scott is the 52nd Mayor of Baltimore City. He has been serving as mayor since December 8, 2020. Before becoming mayor, Scott was the President of the Baltimore City Council from May 2019 to December 2020. He was first elected to the City Council in 2011 at the age of 27, making him one of the youngest people ever elected to the Baltimore City Council.

 Scott is a lifelong resident of Baltimore and a graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School and St. Mary's College of Maryland.

Newly appointed Baltimore County Executive Katherine Klausmeier has joined the BMC Board. She was sworn in as Baltimore County’s 15th—and first female—County Executive on January 7, 2025.  Before her appointment as Baltimore County Executive, Klausmeier has served as a member of the Maryland State Senate since 2003, representing District 8.  In addition to her more than 20 years of experience in the State Senate, she also represented District 8 as a member of the House of Delegates from 1995-2003.

As the elections concluded, BMC Executive Director Mike Kelly thanked Commissioner Moran for a great year as Chair and extended a warm welcome to County Executive Klausmeier.

"I am looking forward to working closely with County Executive Pittman in 2025.  BMC has always been lucky to have great local leadership, and this year will be no exception,” said Mike Kelly.

BMC’s Board of Directors includes elected executives from Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties, as well as representatives of the state legislature and private sector. It will next meet again on Friday, April 25, 2025.

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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, February 5, 2025) – The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is drafting a transportation planning budget for the upcoming two years (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2027), proposing $10.8 million for a range of studies, plans and projects.

Staffed and supported by the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), the BRTB is the region’s federally designated metropolitan planning organization. Most of the anticipated funding for the upcoming budget, 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.

“This new work program and budget prioritizes the critical needs of our region’s transportation network,” said Todd Lang, BMC’s Director of Transportation. “This includes efforts to address the unacceptable fatalities and injuries we see on our transportation system and methods to better facilitate safe and efficient movement for all transportation users.”

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 include:

• Continuing the Transportation and Land Use Connection Grant Program, which quickly unlocks resources to help local jurisdictions improve multi-modal facilities, access to transit, transit oriented development, or climate change adaptation strategies;
• Planning for the Henryton Road Bridge, advancing another piece of the Patapsco Regional Greenway;
• Drafting the region’s next short-range transportation program (with a five-year horizon) and laying the groundwork for the next long-range plan (with a twenty-year horizon);
• Funding for local jurisdictions to update local bicycle plans based on the Bikeable Baltimore Region project;
• Assisting local jurisdictions in preparing applications for the newly updated MDOT prioritization process.

These are a few of the items included in the draft budget. If the BRTB and federal regulators approve the transportation work program and budget, BMC’s planning staff will start this work on July 1, 2025. Proposed new tasks are described in detail in the draft document.

Members of the public can comment on the draft transportation work program and budget by Sunday, March 9. After collaborating with BRTB members to review all comments and respond to questions, the BRTB will consider approval of the transportation planning budget on Friday, April 25.

“We often ask for feedback from community members on specific plans and projects,” Lang said. “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.”

Ways to comment include:

• Online via a short survey at publicinput.com/brtbbudget (English version) and publicinput.com/presupuesto26 (Spanish version)
• Sending an email to FY26BRTBbudget@publicinput.com
• Texting keyword ‘FY26BRTBbudget’ to 855-925-2801
• Leaving a voicemail toll-free via 855-925-2801x11078
• 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, November 20, 2024) - The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC), on behalf of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB), is undertaking scenario planning to explore various potential futures and their impacts on the Baltimore region. This initiative aims to evaluate long-term risks and opportunities related to transportation investment and policy decisions, land use, housing, technology, the environment, and other topics. The objective is to identify strategies or policies that perform well across various scenarios, understand necessary adjustments, and assess impacts on equity. The findings will inform the 2027 Long-Range Transportation Plan (LRTP), including updates to regional goals and strategies, how potential projects are evaluated, and policies to consider in the future. Additionally, it will highlight scenarios that require further study.

The survey will gather public input to develop possible futures, or scenarios, and different ways of setting goals and measuring progress. Community members are encouraged to share their thoughts via BMC’s Engagement Hub to help shape how we prepare for challenges and seize new opportunities for our transportation system.

BMC invites public participation, and individuals can share their thoughts in the scenario planning survey until Sunday, December 8.

Ways to learn more and comment include:

• Online at publicinput.com/WhatIf
• Email:  WhatIf@publicinput.com
• Call 855-925-2801 x 10890 toll-free and leave a voicemail

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Baltimore Metropolitan Council provides a regional forum for members, state and local partners to identify mutual interests and collaborate on strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. 

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. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. 

Leer en español.

BALTIMORE, MD (Wednesday, November 20, 2024) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is finalizing plans for a four mile trail segment connecting Elkridge Main Street to the BWI Trail at Stoney Run Road. A public comment period on the plans will close on December 20, 2024, and will include a meeting at the Severn Library in Anne Arundel County on Wednesday, December 11 at 6 p.m.

BMC shared an initial survey on the proposed trail earlier this year, and found that 97 percent of respondents supported the project. Over the summer, the project team gathered feedback on four proposed routes. Based on those responses and technical review, the team developed preliminary plans for the route, referred to as the selected alignment.

BMC is collaborating with Anne Arundel County, Howard County and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to develop plans for the trail.

The trail 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. The trail will connect with another developing segment of the PRG at Elkridge Main Street, and extend south to connect with the existing BWI Trail, expanding the connections available to bicyclists, pedestrians, equestrian riders and other users.

After reviewing additional feedback and incorporating final changes to the selected alignment, BMC will share the plan with local jurisdictions to determine the next steps toward implementation. 

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 Severn Library in Anne Arundel County on Wednesday, December 11 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Parking is available on site. The location is also accessible via Anne Arundel County’s Local Bus 202. Individuals unable to attend may view meeting materials via publicinput.com/prg.

Ways to comment include:

• Online at publicinput.com/prg
• Email prgstoneyrun@publicinput.com
• Text keyword ‘PRGStoneyRun’ to 73224
• Call 855-925-2801 x 1247 toll-free and leave a voicemail
• Reach @BaltoMetroCo on social media
• Join our public meeting Wednesday, December 11 from 6 to 7:30 at the Severn Library, Anne Arundel County Public Library, 2624 Annapolis Road, Severn, MD 21144.

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Baltimore Metropolitan Council provides a regional forum for members, state and local partners to identify mutual interests and collaborate on strategies, plans and programs that help improve economic vitality and quality of life for all. 

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. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. 

Leer en español.

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, November 12, 2024) – Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s (BMC) Bikeable Baltimore Region (BBR) project is ready to share its Proposed Regional Bike Network, which will connect the region through safe and comfortable bicycle lanes and paths. For the first time, a regionally connected bike network has been identified for the region. A public comment period will be open until January 10, 2025, an in-person public meeting will be held on December 10 with a virtual meeting on December 12.

The Proposed Regional Bike Network aims to create an equitable and connected bike network that is safe and comfortable for everyone, regardless of age or ability. This bike network will benefit everyone by connecting our local communities and provide equitable access to places people need to go, such as public transit, schools, work, and parks.

Although our region has almost 600 miles of bike lanes and paths, many are disconnected, limiting people’s ability to bike to the places they need to go. Identifying a regional bike network made of prioritized bike facilities will ensure that funds are used where they will have the greatest impact and accelerate the creation of a connected network.

Public feedback from the first comment period, known as the “Listening Phase”; ran from May 21 - July 26, 2024, and included ten public meetings, over 135 one-on-one interviews, and an online survey, shaped the Proposed Regional Bike Network.

As part of this second phase, known as the "Presenting Phase," the public is once again invited to share their thoughts on the Proposed Regional Bike Network. The final report and an interactive website will be released in the summer of 2025.

View the Proposed Regional Bike Network and share your thoughts at publicinput.com/BikeBaltoRegion.

The community is encouraged to attend the in-person public meeting at Baltimore Unity Hall (1505 Eutaw Pl, Baltimore, MD) on December 10 at 6:00 p.m. or the virtual meeting on December 12 at 6:00 p.m. to learn more about the project and share their feedback. Visit the project link for more information about parking availability and transit accessibility for the meeting. Anyone who cannot attend may view meeting materials at publicinput.com/BikeBaltoRegion.

Ways to learn more and comment include:

• Survey and Comment Map: Give your feedback through the online survey and comment map on the project StoryMap
• Email BikeBaltoRegion@publicinput.com
• Text keyword ‘BBR2’ or ‘BBRespanol’ to 855-925-2801
• Call 855-925-2801 x 7480 toll-free and leave a voicemail
• Reach @BaltoMetroCo on social media with #BRTBListens
• Join the discussion at the December 10 in-person public meeting or December 12 virtual meeting.

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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. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. 

BALTIMORE, MD (Tuesday, October 1, 2024) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) has released The Pulse, an inaugural survey of critical policy issues providing an unprecedented portrait to help guide the region's planning and decision making in the months and years ahead.

Responses from 1,200 adults throughout the Baltimore region reflect optimism around Baltimore’s Harborplace redevelopment, the Key Bridge reconstruction and the reinvigorated Red Line transit connection. Major concerns across the region include traffic, housing prices and the cost of living.

“The Pulse gives us a detailed look at how communities across the Baltimore region feel about critical quality of life issues,” said State Senate President and BMC Board Member Bill Ferguson. ”This is just the inaugural release of this survey, and over time it will be incredibly helpful to track the shifting concerns and priorities of all our constituents."

Unique among polling conducted in the Baltimore region, The Pulse includes a sufficient sample size that yields statistically valid results for Baltimore City and Baltimore County, as well as Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties. The BMC will conduct the Pulse annually, allowing policymakers to track views over time and identify areas of progress, emerging issues and other trends.

“I’m thrilled that the Baltimore Metropolitan Council is leading this survey,” said Queen Anne’s County Commissioner and BMC Board Chair Jim Moran. “Elected officials rely on feedback from constituents, and this detailed data will be an important tool in our toolkit as we work together to build a better region.”

Highlights of the inaugural Pulse survey include:

Economy and Personal Finances

• Residents say their cost of living is high, which many find troubling. A clear majority — 71 percent across the region — are somewhat or very dissatisfied with the cost of living. This rate is highest in Anne Arundel County, with 81 percent of residents, and lowest in Carroll County, with 60 percent.
• Cost of groceries represents the most significant concern, cited by 70 percent of respondents, followed by housing and utilities.
• Education levels correlate with economic satisfaction. Those with college degrees are roughly twice as likely to be satisfied with the state’s economy and their family finances as those without college degrees.
• Of those residents looking for work, 6 in 10 say that jobs in the area do not offer wages which cover their cost of living.

Housing and Development

• Nearly 8 in 10 respondents say the cost of housing is a problem, and more than half say that it’s a major problem. The numbers are high and consistent in every jurisdiction.
• About half of renters say they don’t believe they will be able to purchase a home in the near future.
• Views vary on whether to limit development of new housing. Residents in Baltimore City feel that limits will make housing more expensive, but residents in suburban and exurban counties favor limits.

Traffic, Transportation and Transit

• Concerns about traffic are pervasive. The region’s residents are generally unsatisfied with traffic, and most think it’s getting worse.
• About 1 in 10 respondents report working or studying from home.
• Nearly half of respondents are willing to use public transportation, with numbers highest among young people.
• Residents want convenient stops and increased safety for transit.
• Some 4 in 10 residents say they are likely to consider purchasing an electric vehicle for their next vehicle.

Issues in the News

• Of respondents in Baltimore City and County, 75 percent say it’s either somewhat or very important to rebuild Inner Harbor’s Harborplace to ensure the future economic vitality of the region.
• Most respondents believe that rebuilding the Key Bridge will improve the economy and traffic in the region. Roughly two thirds of respondents in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel and Harford Counties say the collapse impacted their travel.
• A majority of respondents agree that building the Red Line transit connection in Baltimore can improve traffic. Support for the Red Line is greatest in Baltimore City.

Learn more at bmcpulse.org.

About the survey: The Pulse was conducted by GQR, a leading polling firm based in Washington, D.C. GQR conducted the survey among 1,200 adults in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Carroll, Harford, Howard and Queen Anne’s Counties from September 3 through September 9, 2024. Live phone, text-to-web and online interviews each made up 33 percent of respondent modes. Respondents were compiled from a representative stratified set and panel sample of the target area’s general population. The data are subject to a margin of error of +/- 2.83 percentage points overall at the 95 percent confidence interval. The margin of error is higher among subgroups and online respondents.

About the Baltimore Metropolitan Council: The non-partisan BMC is a trusted group of experts who help guide the future of the Baltimore region by evaluating needs and trends, listening to communities and developing and implementing programs and projects.

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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. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. 

BALTIMORE, MD (Monday, September 09, 2024) – The Baltimore Metropolitan Council (BMC) is excited to announce the launch of a new phase in developing the Baltimore Region’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). This phase begins with releasing a Public Input website designed to engage residents in shaping the future of climate action in the Baltimore region, including Anne Arundel County, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County and Queen Anne’s County.

The BMC is committed to inclusive community involvement, especially from historically disinvested communities, as it moves forward with the CCAP.  Residents of the target counties are encouraged to share their thoughts and concerns through a newly launched survey available on the Public Input website. Additionally, BMC representatives will be tabling at various public events and hosting dedicated sessions to provide information and facilitate community engagement.

This project is funded by a generous grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. The grant supports BMC’s efforts to develop climate action plans that address the pressing issue of climate pollution and ensure a sustainable future for the Baltimore region.

“Engaging with the community is crucial to the success of the CCAP,” said Executive Director Mike Kelly. “We want to make sure that the plan not only addresses environmental issues but also reflects the needs and values of our region’s residents. We encourage everyone to join us in advancing climate action.”

Community members are urged to visit the Public Input website to complete the survey and view the calendar of upcoming public events. Your feedback is vital and will play a direct role in the developing the CCAP, which is set to be finalized by June 2025.

The BMC remains dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing the region’s resilience against climate impacts. By participating, you contribute to a comprehensive strategy that aims to improve public health, air quality, and overall community well-being. Join us in this community effort to build a more sustainable Baltimore region.

For further information: 

Contact: Louisa Glazunova (lglazunova@baltometro.org)
Email: climateplan@publicinput.com 
Phone: 410-732-0500 x 1020
Website: https://publicinput.com/climateplan 

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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. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500. 

BALTIMORE, MD (August, July 16, 2024) -- At its monthly meeting on July 23, Baltimore Regional Transportation Board members approved 18 transportation projects – funded with $14.1 million from the Carbon Reduction Program and $4.7 million from the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TAP). BRTB Chair Tony Russell stated that “the BRTB is gratified that a robust range of projects were approved to support active transportation and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector. These projects help advance the goals of the Long-Range Transportation Plan, Resilience 2050, and help the State achieve their climate goals."

The BRTB plays an essential role by coordinating with MDOT. It is responsible for selecting regional projects using funding set aside by Congressional action for the region and subsequently approving these funding allocations as part of its Transportation Improvement Program (TIP).

Eleven projects will receive funding from the competitive Carbon Reduction Program established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which funds projects to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from on-road transportation sources. The selected projects are consistent with strategies to support the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, such as bicycle and pedestrian, technology, and transit.

The following are the Carbon Reduction Program projects that were approved for funding:

Anne Arundel County – Video Detection Upgrade - $252,000

The project will upgrade existing video detection equipment for traffic management to improve and support the implementation of adaptive control technologies on major County Road corridors.

Baltimore City Electric Vehicle Transition - $4,015,006

The project will enable the purchase of electric vehicles and electric vehicle charging infrastructure to support the transition of City Fleet vehicles from internal combustion engines to electric.

Public Charging at Howard County Parks - $752,368

Howard County will expand publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure at permanent sites on County-owned properties throughout the County to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

Broken Land Parkway – MD 32 Park-and-Ride Access Project - $910,000

The project will design and construct a shared-use path on the west side of Broken Land Parkway, extending from Patuxent Woods Drive to the park-and-ride lot. The path will serve as a crucial last-mile connection to the regional commuter bus network and carpool opportunities and integrate with the local trail system.

Light Duty Vehicles – MPA Electric Vehicle Purchase - $472,320

The Maryland Port Administration (MPA) will replace eleven gasoline-fueled fleet vehicles with eleven zero-emission electric vehicles. The vehicles proposed for replacement are primarily used as fleet vehicles on and around MPA-owned terminals and properties in the Baltimore area.

Anne Arundel Mercury Vapor to LED Streetlight Conversion - $1,060,800

The project supports the conversion of County-owned streetlights to energy-efficient LED streetlights in its effort to reduce the County’s carbon footprint and operating costs.

Fuel Cell Electric Bus Procurement - $5,367,142

The project includes the procurement of four hydrogen fuel cell buses (FCEBs) and supports state goals to transition to a zero-emission bus fleet. This project will be the MTA’s first deployment of FCEB technology.

MD 2 Sidewalks from MD 710 (E Ordnance Road) to Walton Avenue - $341,194

The project includes design for reconstructing non-compliant sidewalks and installing new ADA-compliant sidewalks along both sides of MD 2 for the entire project limits. This project will also include intersection reconstruction, as needed, to facilitate pedestrian crossings.

MD 450 (Baltimore – Annapolis Blvd/King George Street) from College Creek Bridge to USNA Bridge - $309,540

The project includes the design of bicycle and pedestrian facilities along MD 450/King George Street and MD 435 to Taylor Avenue. The proposed improvements include constructing a new sidewalk or shared-use path, reconstructing the existing sidewalk to meet ADA standards, upgrading signs and pavement markings, pedestrian signal upgrades, installing drainage and stormwater management facilities, and landscaping.

Bel Air Aberdeen Area Street Light LED Conversions - $400,000

Harford County will replace existing, older-generation streetlights with energy-efficient LEDs, accelerating an ongoing multi-year project.

Carroll County Level III Charger and EVs - $238,400

Carroll County will design, purchase, and install one electric vehicle charger at the County Office Building and purchase three electric vehicles to replace three gasoline-fueled fleet vehicles. The project will be the starting point for transitioning the County’s fleet assets to zero-emission vehicles.

In addition, the BRTB approved the FY 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program (TA Set-Aside) projects in a competitive process, totaling $4.7 million. This program funds various smaller-scale transportation projects such as pedestrian and bicycle facilities, trails, safe routes to school (SRTS), community improvements, historic preservation, and environmental mitigation.

The following are the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program projects approved for funding:

Bluewater Boulevard Shared-Use Path - $708,000

MD 175 to Bluewater Boulevard: This project would construct a 10-foot wide shared-use path along Bluewater Boulevard to connect two existing shared-use paths. Completing this approximately 0.5-mile segment from the MD 175 sidepath to an existing sidepath on Bluewater Boulevard would complete a significant piece of the bicycle and pedestrian spine network, providing regional connections via the WB&A Trail into Prince George’s County and, ultimately, Washington DC. Closing the gap would also allow a large population to make short trips to many destinations via bicycle, including Ft. Meade, commercial areas on MD 175, Arundel Mills Mall, and ultimately BWI Airport.

Rails to Trail Crossing MD 27 - $600,000

Watkins Park to Center Street: This project would design a trail connection from Watkins Park to Center Street by crossing MD 27. The trail would connect with an existing rails-to-trails segment and a future extension of Center Street. The project length is approximately 150 feet. The project aims to transform the decommissioned railway tracks into a multi-use trail, enhancing connectivity and providing recreational opportunities for the community. The trail's starting point at Watkins Park is a strategic location, offering easy access to park amenities and serving as a central hub for trail users.

Safe Routes to School Cecil Elementary - $177,610

Between East 22nd Street, Kirk Avenue and Cecil Avenue: This project would conduct a planning study to determine needed intersection improvements and enhancements such as mid-block traffic calming and intersection realignments to improve the safety and multi-modal travel to and from the school and area recreational facilities. The project's length is approximately 3,000 feet. The enhancements will focus on curb extensions to reduce pedestrian crossing distances, improved crosswalk markings, back angle parking, and road restriping.

Bloomsbury Crossing - $579,305

The intersection of Asylum Lane and Bloomsbury Avenue: The project will fund the construction of an at-grade crossing on Bloomsbury Avenue for the Short Line Trail, a pedestrian/bicycle trail in the former right-of-way of the Short Line Railroad in Catonsville. The crossing of Bloomsbury Avenue is a critical link in the trail's completion as it will connect the eastern and western sections of the trail.

Baltimore Greenway Trails Network – Druid Hill Park to Lake Montebello - $2,000,000

East Drive to Hillen Road: This project would design a 2.8-mile long trail between Lake Montebello and Druid Park Lake Drive, leading to a new bicycle and pedestrian connection to key transit routes, job centers, schools, and other points of interest.

Jones Fall Gateway - $497,200

Along Falls Road/Lanvale Street from the CSX bridge north of West North Ave overpass to Charles Street: This project will complete the design for a 0.5-mile long segment of the Jones Falls Trail on the south side of Falls Road along with a planted separator and street lighting. This trail segment would replace the current Jones Falls Trail segment, which has maintenance needs and is unsafe, accessible, or inviting. Trail users are forced to traverse Falls Road multiple times and navigate unsafe routes under railroad and vehicular bridges to reach the Penn Station transit hub and point south. This trail segment will create an enhanced, accessible, and contiguous shared-use path connection to the area around Penn Station, which is currently under redevelopment and soon to be a state-designated transit-oriented development district.

Connecting Communities to Schools Across US 40 - $120,000

Havre de Grace Elementary/Middle/High Schools to the west side of US 40: This feasibility project would identify the potential for pedestrian and bicycle paths in two locations. The first location would start at Greenway Farms subdivision, connect to Lewis Lane using a combination of public/private connections through subdivisions, internally from Greenway Farms Subdivision, Peace Chance Drive - Bulle Rock Subdivision proposed Lampson Subdivision and Bayview Subdivision to Lewis Lane and ultimately across US 40 to the Middle/High school and Elementary school. The second location would start at Bulle Rock Parkway-roundabout along Chapel Road down to the US 40 intersection and ultimately to Middle/High school and Elementary school, while also connecting to adjacent Havre de Hills and Grace Manor Subdivision along Lori/Lewis Lane, both of which are a combination of public and private ROW, open space and sidewalks. The primary focus would be on the improvements in the US 40 intersections for enhanced safety, among others, due to the feasibility studies for bicycle and pedestrian crossings.

Contact: Andrea Jackson
Phone: 410-732-9574
Email: ajackson@baltometro.org
 

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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. BMC offers interpretation services, including language translation services and signage for the hearing impaired, at public meetings upon request with seven days advance notice. BMC will not exclude persons based on age, religion, or disability. For assistance, contact the Public Involvement Coordinator, comments@baltometro.org, or call 410-732-0500. Dial 7-1-1 or 800-735-2258 to initiate a TTY call through Maryland Relay. Usarios de Relay MD marquen 7-1-1. Si se necesita información de Título VI en español, llame al 410-732-0500.