BRTB April 25, 2025

Summary

The 373rd meeting of the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) focused on four key resolutions. These included the adoption of a transportation planning budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, a new disadvantaged business enterprise goal, and amendments to the transportation improvement program. The meeting also featured updates from MDOT Secretary Paul Wiedefeld on Maryland’s Consolidated Transportation Program, highlighting safety investments, improvements to the light rail system, and new transit funding. Public input was welcomed, and the meeting concluded with a vote to close the session. Overall, the BRTB discussed critical funding and improvements to the region’s transportation infrastructure.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board (BRTB) is reviewing four resolutions, including the adoption of the transportation planning budget for fiscal years 2026-2027.
• 😀 The transportation planning budget, also known as the Unified Planning Work Program, totals $10.8 million, with significant portions allocated to BMC staff, local jurisdictions, and consultants.
• 😀 Public comments were received during a 30-day period and focused on increasing funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, public transit, and reducing reliance on consultants.
• 😀 The BRTB is also adopting a disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) goal of 28.4% for the fiscal year 2026, though recent participation has exceeded this goal.
• 😀 A key amendment is being considered to provide additional federal and local funding for operating assistance to MTA systems in Carroll and Baltimore counties.
• 😀 The BRTB is also addressing a bridge replacement project in Carroll County, which has become urgent due to the closure of the existing bridge.
• 😀 The Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) has secured over $400 million in additional revenue per year, supporting safety and system improvements.
• 😀 Significant investments are being made to modernize Maryland's light rail system, with a $1.4 billion overhaul that includes replacing vehicles and upgrading infrastructure.
• 😀 MDOT is prioritizing the preservation and rehabilitation of the existing transit infrastructure, including bus systems, subway stations, and communication systems.
• 😀 Plans are in place to support key projects like the rebuilding of the Key Bridge, and there is ongoing focus on strengthening the region’s port and airport systems.
• 😀 Public participation is encouraged, but during the meeting, no one from the public requested to speak, and the meeting was closed with a unanimous vote.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the meeting discussed in the transcript?

The meeting focuses on reviewing and approving four action items related to transportation planning, including the adoption of the transportation planning budget, a disadvantaged business enterprise goal, and two amendments to the transportation improvement program.

What is the fiscal year budget being discussed in the transcript?

The fiscal year budget being discussed is for 2026-2027, and it's known as the Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The total budget is approximately $10.8 million.

What are the primary concerns expressed by the public during the comment period?

The public expressed a desire for more funding for sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit. They also requested the increase of staff rather than relying on consultants and urged for the acceleration of transit development over highway projects.

How does the BRTB plan to address the public's concerns about funding and transit development?

The BRTB has documented all public comments, provided responses, and plans to incorporate them into subsequent budgets or during budget reconciliation in September. They are also working on feasibility studies to improve project development and cost estimates.

What specific projects are mentioned for improvement in the Baltimore region?

The projects mentioned include feasibility studies, crash reduction software, bridge replacements like the Henry Road Bridge, and transportation land-use connection grants for small regional projects.

What is the disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) goal for fiscal year 2026?

The DBE goal for fiscal year 2026 is set at 28.4%. However, over the past two years, the participation rate has been higher, averaging over 35%, and the BRTB aims to exceed this goal.

What is the significance of the bridge replacement mentioned in the meeting?

The bridge replacement on Upper Beckleyville Road over Murphy Run in Carroll County is critical as the bridge was closed due to structural issues identified during a 2021 biannual bridge inspection. The project is 100% federally funded and has received emergency action for engineering to proceed.

How is the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) being funded?

The CTP is funded with over $400 million in additional transportation revenue per year, which helps match federal funding and delivers nearly $700 million in additional capital spending. This funding supports the modernization of transportation systems like light rail, bus, and subway infrastructure.

What is the focus of the MTA's transit modernization plan?

The MTA's plan includes a nearly $1.4 billion investment to modernize the light rail system, replacing the entire vehicle fleet with more accessible and frequent service. This will improve reliability and reduce disruptions, addressing the top concern of transit riders.

What other transportation projects are being prioritized in the Maryland region?

Other transportation projects include the expansion and modernization of the light rail system, subway system repairs, pedestrian safety projects, and improvements to the state highway system, such as the Key Bridge reconstruction.