Maryland Leading the Nation in Transportation Efforts:

Baltimore – A report released today ranked Maryland among the top three states in the nation for strong transportation policy.  “Getting Back on Track: Climate Change and State Transportation Policy,” produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Smart Growth America (SGA), examined transportation spending decisions and policies in all 50 states to determine what impact state decisions have on carbon emission rates.

“This report shows that Maryland understands that transportation decisions impact more than how we get around.  Smart transportation projects create jobs, boost the economy, and reduce climate change emissions.  Most importantly, a strong transportation system provides people choices in how they get around,” said Dru Schmidt-Perkins, Executive Director of 1000 Friends of Maryland.  

According to this extensive, first-of-its-kind analysis, Maryland’s transportation policies and spending decisions are complementing efforts to reduce statewide emissions rates. Maryland has several state-level programs that incentivize transit-oriented development.  And the state covers 53% of total transit project costs itself, as opposed to other states that place the funding burden on local governments or over-rely on federal funds.  This rate is the second-highest in the nation.

“It’s no surprise to see that Maryland is among the nation’s leaders in forward thinking transportation planning design,” said U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “I will continue to work hard to support our State’s efforts as Congress moves to consider a surface transportation reauthorization bill in the 112th Congress.”

While Maryland earned high marks, advocates warn that there is much work left undone.  “Orienting more development around transit stops and downtowns plus improved transit is critical, but in these tight fiscal times we must ensure that every dollar is spent wisely,” said Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director of Coalition for Smarter Growth.

“Last session the legislature recognized that need, and passed two bills.  The first requires state-funded transportation projects to show they meet clear goals, such as safety and connectivity.  And the legislature created a Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation Funding, whose work over the next year will shape Maryland’s transportation future.”

Advocates believe that the Blue Ribbon Commission can ensure Maryland stays a leader. “With state transportation funds increasingly scarce, it is not enough to simply raise more dollars.  The state must ensure every dollar is spent building the transportation system that works best for citizens, the economy, and the environment.” said Michele Whelley, President and CEO of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, and a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission. 

While the Blue Ribbon Commission will look at broad reforms, advocates have short-term goals as well.  One immediate goal is to implement a job-creation set-aside for federal funds. 

“We know that transportation projects, especially transit projects, create jobs.  But they should also create job opportunities.  Maryland is authorized to set aside half of one percent of all federal funds towards workforce development and training.  While that does not add up to a significant percent of state funds, that does add up to a significant impact in the lives of Maryland residents,” said Reverend Dr. Hoffman F. Brown, III Co-Chair of BRIDGE with Baltimore Regional Initiative Developing Genuine Equality.

The report finds that change also needs to happen across the country at the federal level.  

"Better gas mileage and alternative fuels aren’t enough to stop carbon emissions at the rate they’re rising,” said Neha Bhatt, deputy policy director at Smart Growth America. “It’s going to take policy changes at both the state and federal levels to achieve the emissions reductions we need. American households need the option to spend less money to get around, and these low-carbon policies help get us there too.”

Changes to federal policy could encourage states to use their transportation money more effectively. The overdue authorization of a federal transportation bill will be a key moment for leadership from both Congress and the Obama Administration to reduce carbon emissions and continue to rebuild our economy.

The full report is available at SmartGrowthAmerica.org.   (Link opens a PDF file).

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1000 Friends of Maryland works to protect Maryland’s natural areas and open spaces, improve the quality of life in our communities, restore once vibrant cities and towns, and improve public transportation through meaningful public participation, education, research and advocacy.

Smart Growth America advocates for people who want to live and work in great neighborhoods. Smart growth solutions support thriving businesses and jobs, provide more options for how people get around and make it more affordable to live near work and the grocery store. Our coalition gives communities a fighting chance against sprawl. Together, we are making America’s neighborhoods great. Visit SmartGrowthAmerica.org to learn more.