By Jade Fadrowski
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
County Executive Johnny Olszewski said Thursday the state of Maryland needs to fund Baltimore County’s underinvested transportation infrastructure.
Olszewski called for what he described as “severely needed funding” during the annual Maryland Department of Transportation’s Consolidated Transportation Program meeting.
“A robust transportation system is critical to Baltimore County’s future,” said Olszewski. “My administration has taken unprecedented efforts to develop a new vision for the future of transportation and we need the state to be a strong partner by making long-overdue investments to support our growing population.”
Olszewski added, “My administration will continue to innovate— and advocate—for our residents so that we can create safer, more vibrant, and more inclusive communities across Baltimore County.”
The Baltimore region is one of the 20 most congested areas in the U.S., with the average commute time topping 30 minutes, studies showed. For residents who travel by MTA bus, commute times are often much longer.
According to a study conducted by WalletHub, Baltimore is ranked the 14th worst city in the country to drive in. The study examined categories such as traffic safety, infrastructure, and commute time.
The 2020 MDOT financial plan said Baltimore County received zero dollars in capital funding and $416,000 in operational funding for its Locally Operated Transit System. The county received less than what it did in 2019 despite requests for additional funding, officials said.
Meanwhile, Maryland Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater met with Baltimore County officials Thursday and reviewed details of the MDOT six-year capital budget. Slater said the meeting was part of MDOT’s annual tour of 23 Maryland counties and Baltimore City to update local officials and the public on the Hogan administration’s $13.4 billion investment over the next six years in transit, highways, the MDOT Motor Vehicle Administration (MDOT MVA), Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore and Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport.
Officials also discussed the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) $2.8 billion in additional investments in Maryland’s toll roads and bridges. The meeting was held virtually in consideration of Maryland’s COVID-19 State of Emergency.
In April, Olszewski said he requested items to the MDOT to address traffic concerns around the County and accommodate planned growth which included:
- An interchange at Interstate 795 and Dolfield Boulevard.
- A full interchange at 1-695 and Broening Highway to maximize redevelopment activities at Trade Point Atlantic.
- Support for the growth of Baltimore County Locally Operated Transit system, including the Towson Circulator.
- State support for Capital funds for bicycle and pedestrian project initiatives for Northeast Trail and Osler Drive and Safe Routes to School grant in the Sparrows Point area.
- A needed traffic congestion study along the Liberty Road Corridor.
- A commitment from the state to complete their portion of Kenwood Avenue to enhance pedestrian safety for Overlea High School.
Since taking office in 2018, Olszewski said he has made transportation infrastructure a priority. He said he helped in creating Baltimore County’s first transportation bureau, which devoted $1.8 million for bike lanes and pedestrian access, as well as invested record funding into road resurfacing and traffic calming.
Slater stressed that Hogan’s $13.4 billion budget “is focused on preserving our critical infrastructure and essential connections, continuing all active construction, planning for future projects, and being a part of our economic recovery.”