Contact: Laura Van Wert, 410-732-9564  

AMENDMENTS TO 2014-2017 TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM OPEN FOR PUBLIC COMMENT

BALTIMORE, MD (December 16, 2014) - The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) will accept public comments for two amendments proposed for the 2014-2017 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) until Wednesday, January 14. The BRTB will vote on the amendments on Tuesday, January 27, at 9 a.m.

The 2014-2017 TIP, which is the list of regional transportation projects requesting funding, includes more than $2 billion in proposed federal, state and local money for highway, transit, bicycle and pedestrian projects during the next four years. The funding goes towards maintaining, operating and expanding the transportation system. The TIP is fiscally constrained.

The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) proposes adding to the TIP a new project, the Metro Railcar and Signaling Systems Replacement. The Metro railcars have a 30-year design life. Scheduled replacements are needed to enhance passenger comfort and improve safety. Adding the project to the TIP allows MTA to apply for the following federal funding: $54.5 million in federal Section 5307 funds for fiscal years 2015, 2016 and 2017; $3.6 million in federal CMAQ funds in FY 2016; and $14.5 million in matching funds from the state.

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) proposes updating the $44.6 million  MD 175 widening project, from MD 295 to MD 170, to reflect additional funding beginning in FY 2017. Proposed funding includes: An additional $10 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant would go toward the construction phase of the project to widen MD 175 from Reece to Disney roads; $1.7 million in Surface Transportation Program (STP) funds; and $3.3 million in matching state funds.

The overall purpose of this high-priority project is to widen MD175 from four to six lanes between MD 295 and MD 32, and to add bicycle and pedestrian improvements between MD 32 and MD 170.

The BRTB will host a public meeting on Thursday, January 8 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Odenton Regional Library, Meeting Room A (formerly West County), located at 1325 Annapolis Road, Odenton, 21113.

In addition, public comments will be accepted by email at comments@baltometro.org; by fax at 410-732-8248; on Twitter @BaltoMetroCo and  @bmoreinvolved, using the hashtag #BRTBlistens; or by mail at:

Attn: Public Involvement Coordinator

Baltimore, MD 21230

For more information, visit www.baltometro.org or contact Regina Aris, transportation assistant director and policy planning manager, by email at raris@baltometro.org or by phone at 410-732-9572.

The BRTB is the federally recognized metropolitan planning organization for transportation in the region. BMC provides the BRTB with technical and staff support.

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.

Laura Van Wert
Communications Officer     
410-732-9564
lvanwert@baltometro.org