BALTIMORE (May 28, 2009) – Nearly $1.4 billion dollars will be invested in the region’s transportation system through 2013 in a new draft transportation program released for public review by the Baltimore Regional Transportation Board. The BRTB is the organization which serves as a conduit for federal transportation dollars in the Baltimore region.

The draft of the 2010-2013 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for the Baltimore region is a list of transportation priorities and projects for which federal funding will be requested over the next 4 years. Projects are drawn from recommendations in Transportation Outlook 2035, the long-range transportation plan for the Baltimore region.

The proposed projects will protect and enhance our current transportation investments by providing for maintenance and system expansion. Transportation projects benefit the community by providing jobs, and also make our system safer, reduce congestion, improve air quality, and provide more alternatives for moving people and goods.

Proposed new projects include Lexington Market transit improvements, Mobility bus implementation, deck replacement of the Abingdon Road bridge, and the overhaul of Metro cars.

Other proposals include:

Additionally, an air quality report looking at the potential impact transportation projects could have on the region's air quality has also been released for public review. The draft Air Quality Conformity Determination concludes that implementation of the projects in the 2010- 2013 TIP does not worsen the region's air quality or delay the timely attainment of the national ambient air quality standards. The pollutants addressed in the conformity determination include ozone, fine particulate matter, and carbon monoxide.

The draft TIP and air quality report are available online in PDF format at www.baltometro.org. Print versions are also available at the Regional Information Center, as well as select local libraries and planning offices in the region.

Both the TIP and draft Air Quality Conformity Determination will be open for public review through Friday, June 26. Public participation is extremely beneficial in making sound decisions. The public is encouraged to review the draft reports and submit comments.

The public is invited to review and comment on the draft list of projects included in the TIP. Submit comments in writing to:

Baltimore Regional Transportation Board
2700 Lighthouse Point East, Suite 310
Baltimore, MD 21224
Fax: 410-732-8248
E-mail: http:comments@baltometro.org
Web: Public comment form at www.baltometro.org/bboard

A public meeting on the Final Draft of the 2010-2013 TIP and draft Air Quality Conformity Determination will be held on Wednesday, June 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council (2700 Lighthouse Point East, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21224). Lighthouse Point is located on the waterfront side of the 2700 block of Boston Street. Presentations will be made at 4 and 5:30 p.m.

Written comments may also be submitted at the BRTB meeting at the Baltimore Metropolitan Council on Tuesday, June 23, at 9 a.m.

Comments postmarked by June 26 will be accepted no later than 3 days after the end of the comment period.

For more information on the TIP or the Air Quality report, contact Regina Aris at raris@baltometro.org or 410-732-9572.

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