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Maryland – The Moore Administration announced a $150 million “one-time cash injection” into the state transportation budget for fiscal year 2025 as part of the Governor’s Planned Budget.
“About a month ago, the governor and his administration made significant cuts to transportation spending and put at risk highway user funds that would be returned to local residents,” said Maryland Sen. Mary Beth Carozza. “When we announced that we were there, there was a lot of uproar,” he said. .
$52 million of that money will go to the state’s Highway Users Fund, which will help counties fund road projects, from fixing potholes to repairs on Highway 50 in Ocean City.
Another 10 million people will be spent removing trash.
“When it comes to highway mowing and trash removal, this is a huge problem in coastal rural areas, so restoring that $10 million across the state will have a significant impact,” said Sen. Carrozza. Deaf,” he said.
In a statement to 47ABC, Worcester County Public Works Director Dallas Baker said he expects to see an increase in HUR funding in FY25, but “until we receive official information from the state, “We don’t know what the amount will be, but we expect to receive more information.” Notification from the state is expected soon. ”
Sen. Carozza told ABC47 he’s glad the governor is responding to the objections raised across the island and county lines about the impact these cuts will have, even in the face of a budget deficit. .
“These highway user funds come back to fund priority transportation projects. That’s why they’re so important,” Carrozza said.
The money had previously been used during a time when O’Malley’s administration was experiencing budget difficulties.
Sen Carrozza said the fight to maintain highway tolls and local costs has always been a challenge under the Hogan administration, but ultimately it’s a county-wide issue.
She says she will continue to fight for these funds in this budget and in the future.
“Congress will move through the budget process in both the Senate and the House. So there will be multiple opportunities to fund budget priorities,” she said.
47ABC MDOT spokesperson David Broughton said in a statement to 47ABC, “The Governor’s action provides a planned increase in funding to local governments (from 15.6% to 18%) through the 2025 Limited Highway User Revenue Grant Program. will be fully covered,” he said. Reductions are still expected to occur in 2026 and 2027. ”
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