FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Lindsey Mendelson, lindsey.mendelson@mdsierra.org; Lesley Paredes; lesley.paredes-hernandez@sierraclub.org, (347)-720-5336
Sierra Club Statement on MDOT’s Proposed 2024-2029 Transportation Budget Cuts
MARYLAND- The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) recently announced major proposed cuts to the six-year capital transportation budget in order to address a $3.3 billion fiscal imbalance.
In response to the announcement, Josh Tulkin, Director of Sierra Club’s Maryland Chapter, has released the following statement:
“We are disappointed by the Moore administration’s six-year transportation capital budget proposal. This proposal appears to disproportionately impact the Baltimore region, harm many Marylanders who depend on our transit system every day, and hinder progress on the state's climate goals.
While we appreciate the budgetary challenges, the current proposal favors short term savings while risking more significant long term costs.
We are gravely concerned that the Moore Administration would propose cutting minimum funding levels needed to address the Maryland Transit Administration’s major maintenance backlog that are required by the Transit Safety & Investment Act. The Transit Safety & Investment Act, enacted in 2021, fixed critical historic under-investment in the state’s existing transit system. A 40% cut in operating funds to locally operating transit systems; elimination of commuter bus service; reduced capital funding to the Baltimore region’s bus, rail, and paratransit systems; and cuts to MARC service and expansion cited in the proposal are also very problematic. All together, the proposal would result in $750 million less operating and capital funding to the Maryland Transit Administration.
We are also troubled by plans to delay the Maryland Transit Administration’s electric bus transition. Electrifying MTA’s bus service is needed to protect the health of transit riders, operators, and surrounding communities while mitigating climate pollution. While we are also glad to see planning funds for the Red Line maintained, it is unclear how the proposed transit cuts will impact future funds for the Red Line, including a grant agreement with the federal government.
Meanwhile the proposal still contains funding for the preliminary planning and engineering of the I-495 and I-270 expansion plan. We call on the Moore Administration to cancel this project and other planned highway expansion projects. We should focus instead on the state of good repair needs that are needed to maintain our existing systems.
In the portion of the budget impacting the Washington D.C. region’s Metro system, we are pleased to see the $150 million addition in FY 2025 and FY 2026 funding (and $250 in FY 2027) to address WMATA’s operating budget shortfall. This is a necessary step to avoid draconian reductions in service anticipated by WMATA. We are excited to see this urgently needed funding being provided for the Metro, but we are concerned that the MTA’s budget is being cut at the same time. We need proper funding for all our public transit systems.
In order to meet our climate targets, advance equity and expand economic opportunity, we need to expand public transit, bike, and pedestrian options; accelerate the transition to electric vehicles; and stop pouring money into highway widening boondoggles like the I-495 and I-270 highway toll lane expansion proposal. While we acknowledge there is a big budget challenge, we urge the Moore Administration to work with the General Assembly to find ways to pass a balanced budget that doesn't sacrifice our progress to protect our climate and improve Marylanders' access to jobs, education, healthcare, and recreation.”