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Additional Revenues Enable Increased Federal Matching Funds

HANOVER, MD (September 2, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation today released its Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2026 to 2031, outlining a $21.5 billion balanced plan to further enhance safety, keep the system in working order and support the state’s economy. Thanks to Governor Moore’s budget and the approximately $400 million in additional annual revenues passed by the General Assembly, the Department was able to use state dollars as a match to acquire additional federal funding in the previous Final CTP for Fiscal Years 2025-2030. That continued effort to match federal funding has resulted in an increase in this year’s draft program of nearly $300 million total compared to the Final CTP.

“This capital budget focuses on our priorities of enhancing safety, maintaining our system and driving economic growth,” said Acting Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Samantha J. Biddle. “Thanks to Governor Moore's leadership and the General Assembly’s commitment to transportation funding, the additional revenues allow us to continue to advance projects that achieve these goals.”

The Draft Fiscal Year 2026-2031 CTP shows the Department is strategically using available resources and focusing on data-driven investments to advance Maryland’s goals. The $21.5 billion program includes key investments across all transportation modes:

• Transit Reinvestment: Significant reinvestment in the Maryland Transit Administration’s core service includes rehabilitation and modernization of the central light rail line.

• State Highway Network Improvements: Major investments include corridor upgrades along US 15 in Frederick County and I-81 in Washington County. The Draft CTP also prioritizes safety enhancements for pedestrians and vulnerable road users, along with vital system preservation projects statewide.

• Aviation and Port Projects: Key projects include a new air traffic control tower at Martin State Airport and continued investment in modernization efforts at the Port of Baltimore’s Dundalk Marine Terminal, along with ecosystem restoration and dredging programs.

• Local Transportation Support: The Draft CTP maintains critical funding for local projects through Highway User Revenues (HUR) and Locally Operated Transit Systems (LOTS) grants.

• Federally Leveraged Projects Advancing to Construction: Several projects are advancing to construction this year with the help of federal matching funds, including:

  • The I-97 project in Anne Arundel County to add an additional lane in each direction and improve safety along the heavily traveled corridor.

  • The MD 5- Great Mills project in St. Mary’s County to address mobility and accessibility needs and replace the bridge over the Saint Mary’s River.

  • The MD 97- Montgomery Hills project in Montgomery County to enhance safety and improve bicycle and pedestrian connectivity.

  • James Island phased restoration, as a part of the Port of Baltimore’s Mid-Bay Chesapeake Bay Island project to use dredge material to rebuild barrier islands.

  • A range of Complete Streets projects enhancing safety and multimodal access across the state.

The six-year Draft CTP outlines capital investments in each mode funded by the Transportation Trust Fund: Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, State Highway Administration and The Secretary's Office, as well as Maryland's investment in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The Maryland Transportation Authority's toll facilities are financed, constructed, operated and maintained with toll revenues paid by customers using those facilities and represent an additional $5 billion investment in the State's transportation system in fiscal years 2026-2031.

To view the full Draft Fiscal Year 2026-2031 Consolidated Transportation Program, go to ctp.maryland.gov.

The release of the draft program launches the Maryland Department of Transportation's public engagement process that includes a meeting in every Maryland county and Baltimore City to receive input from local officials and the public. This year’s tour is scheduled to take place between September and November with local jurisdictions hosting the meetings. Dates and locations can be found here. The schedule is subject to change and will be updated as needed throughout the process.

Following the tour, the Maryland Department of Transportation will finalize the Draft CTP and submit the Final Fiscal Year 2026-2031 CTP to the Legislature in January for consideration during the 2026 General Assembly session.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    

Contact: Maryland Department of Transportation Public Affairs    

David Broughton​, 410-599-9428

Final Consolidated Transportation Program Prioritizes Safety, Reliability, Utilizing All Federal Funds and Seeks to Drive Economic Growth Statewide  

HANOVER, MD (January 15, 2025) – The Maryland Department of Transportation today released its $21.2 billion Final Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-2030, fully funding and reviving projects that prioritize safety and reliability while driving economic growth statewide. The balanced plan includes an additional $420 million in state transportation funding annually, beginning in Fiscal Year 2026. This investment allows the Department to fully leverage all available federal funding and financing, turning a $420 million annual state investment into $695 million annually of new resources for the State’s transportation network. Furthermore, it enables the Department to meet state of good repair investment levels, ensuring safe and reliable access to opportunity for more Marylanders. 

“Maryland deserves and demands to have a safe and reliable transportation system that is accessible for all to use and helps drive our ability to make this Maryland’s decade,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “With a focus on enhancing safety, equity and sustainability, this Final CTP makes statewide strategic investments that strengthen our existing system to efficiently serve all Marylanders and grow the state’s economy. Thank you to Governor Moore for his leadership and vision in providing this vital investment in our state’s transportation system.”  

With the Final CTP for Fiscal Years 2025-2030, the Department is making targeted investments in safety, system preservation, utilizing all available federal funding, growing our economy and working to make Maryland more competitive and affordable. The release of the Final CTP also reflects an extensive statewide public engagement process with a meeting in every Maryland county and Baltimore City to receive input from local officials and the public.   

Highlights of the more than $21 billion program include:

• Reinvesting millions of dollars in critical bridge repairs, roadway resurfacing and other safety enhancements to make roads safer for all users;
• Advancing statewide highway projects, including constructing critical safety projects on I-81 and US 15 and advancing design on other deferred projects throughout the State, including MD 97 Montgomery Hills, MD 90, and Medical Center Drive, among others;
• Addressing critical state of good repair needs at the Maryland Transit Administration and the State Highway Administration;
• Modernizing of the Light Rail system in conjunction with the State’s $213 million federal grant award to purchase new and accessible vehicles;
• Enhancing the economic competitiveness of the Port of Baltimore to maintain and expand its ability to drive growth and opportunity throughout the entire State;
• Funding the environmental study process for the proposed Southern Maryland Rapid Transit project and to fully leverage federal formula funds for statewide MARC improvements;
• Addressing system preservation and safety needs at BWI Thurgood Marshall International Airport and Martin State Airport;
• Increasing support for locally operated transit systems (LOTS) in communities around the state; and Protecting Highway User Revenues (HUR) for our local government partners.  

The additional $420 million annually in funding puts the Department on firm fiscal footing, supporting its operating budget and debt service coverage. Addressing the Department’s debt service needs is important because it will help the Department maintain its AAA credit ratings and strong financial management practices. The additional funding will be divided into supporting:

• $200 million in new state resources for capital projects,
• $155 million to meet commitments for debt issued to fund the capital program, and
• $65 million for operating budget needs.  

The six-year Final CTP outlines capital investments in each mode funded by the Transportation Trust Fund: Maryland Aviation Administration, Maryland Port Administration, Maryland Transit Administration, Motor Vehicle Administration, State Highway Administration and The Secretary's Office, as well as Maryland's investment in the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The Maryland Transportation Authority's toll facilities are financed, constructed, operated and maintained with toll revenues paid by customers using those facilities.

When Governor Moore came into office, the state’s transportation system was facing serious disinvestment – particularly in public transit. More than $3 billion in one-time federal COVID relief dollars kept critical services moving but when those dollars went away, the deep issues within the state’s transportation trust fund remained. This additional funding in the state’s transportation system will help the Department make this Maryland’s decade through targeted investments in a reliable and safe infrastructure system that protects lives and drives economic growth.

Fitch Upgrade of BWI Bond Rating Reflects Airport's Strong Market Position  

HANOVER, MD (November 6, 2024) - Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Maryland Department of Transportation's revenue bonds for a major project at Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport to A+ from A with a stable outlook.  The rating upgrade comes in advance of an upcoming bond sale to complete construction of the Concourse A/B Connector and Baggage Handling System at BWI Marshall Airport.  Moody's Ratings assigned a rate of A1 with a stable outlook to the new issuance and re-affirmed that rating for the existing bonds.   

“The ratings upgrade, coupled with the recent addition of several new transcontinental flights by Southwest Airlines and two straight months of record-breaking passenger traffic, demonstrates the strength of BWI Marshall Airport and its important role in the region," said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “Our customers, the commitment from the Moore-Miller Administration, and the strength of our partnership with Southwest Airlines are key factors in these achievements."  

The sale of the revenue bonds is expected this month. Fitch cites both BWI Marshall Airport's financial profile, supported by the full recovery of passenger traffic, and its strong position in the competitive Baltimore-Washington D.C. market as key drivers of its rating upgrade. The credit ratings agency also noted the strategic importance of BWI Marshall Airport to the Southwest national network.  BWI Marshall Airport is the busiest Southwest station on the East Coast. In 2023, Southwest flew 18.3 million passengers at BWI Marshall. There are more than 5,200 Southwest employees in the local market, according to the airline.  

The upcoming sale of approximately $230 million in airport revenue bonds is an investment in the largest capital project in the airport's history. The work includes a direct connection between Concourses A and B, a sophisticated baggage handling system, expanded seating areas at passenger gates, new restrooms and added food and retail concession space.  Completion of the new baggage handling and connector system is scheduled for late 2025, with the entire expansion project expected to be completed in 2026.  

“These positive ratings reflect the strong financial position of our airport and our commitment to responsible fiscal management," said Ricky Smith, Executive Director/CEO of BWI Marshall Airport. “We are well positioned for work to enhance the passenger experience and drive economic growth for the region." 

Read more about the rating upgrade from Fitch Ratings here and Moody's rating here. 

BWI Marshall is a key driver of economic activity and transportation for the state of Maryland. As the busiest airport in the National Capital region for passenger traffic, the airport provides nearly 300 daily nonstop departures to about 90 domestic and international destinations and produces a total annual economic impact of $11.3 billion. BWI Marshall and its passengers generate, support and sustain more than 107,000 jobs throughout the region.