Serving Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford, and Howard Counties and the Cities of Annapolis and Baltimore. 

TRANSPORTATION OUTLOOK 2035 DRAFT REVIEW CONTINUES

The BRTB has released the Draft Plan for Transportation Outlook 2035 for public review and comment. Transportation Outlook 2035 is a long-range transportation plan for the Baltimore region. It serves as a multi-modal blueprint for the Baltimore area by identifying the ways the region plans to invest in the transportation system over the next few decades.
The draft plan for Transportation Outlook 2035 includes over $8.7 billion worth of transit, bicycle, pedestrian, and local road or highway projects. In addition, for the first time, "management and operations" projects are included in this list. These are projects such as signal timing or real-time traveler information that help the transportation system run smoothly and efficiently.

Learn more at a public meeting During the comment period, a series of public meetings have been held throughout the region. Join us at tomorrow's public meeting to learn more about the draft plan and share your thoughts:
	Tuesday, August 21, 2007 3 to 7 p.m. Presentations at 4 and 6 p.m. Baltimore Metropolitan Council 2700 Lighthouse Point East, #310, Baltimore, MD 21224
The public is also encouraged to provide comments about the draft plan with area elected officials at the August BRTB meeting.
	Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5 p.m. - BRTB meeting with elected officials [View the BRTB Public Testimony Rules and Procedures] Baltimore Metropolitan Council 2700 Lighthouse Point East, #310, Baltimore, MD 21224

>>> Learn more about Transportation Outlook 2035

PUBLIC REVIEW CONTINUES: FINAL DRAFT 2008-2012 TIP

Examples of projects include:

• Road resurfacing and bridge repairs, rehabilitation, and painting
• Pedestrian overpasses near schools and the building of pedestrian/bicycle trails
• Evaluation of current traffic command and control systems and the installation of new traffic signal detection systems
• Funding for the New Freedom and Job Access and Reverse Commute Programs, assisting people with disabilities, seniors, and low-income individuals access to employment and other opportunities.

The Final Draft 2008-2012 TIP is available online in PDF format. Print versions are also available at the Regional Information Center, as well as at a number of area libraries and planning offices throughout the region. 

Public Review and Comment A public review period will be held from Tuesday, July 31 through Friday, August 31, 2007. A public meeting on the Final Draft 2008-2012 TIP will be held on August 21, 2007 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the BMC’s offices (2700 Lighthouse Point East, Suite 310, Baltimore, MD 21224).  Presentations will be made at 4 and 6 p.m. Information on the Final Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination and Transportation Outlook 2035 will also be presented.

>>> Learn more about the Final Draft 2008-2012 TIP or submit a comment

The Baltimore Regional Transportation Board has also released an air quality report looking at the potential impact transportation projects could have on the region's air quality. The Draft Air Quality Conformity Determination addresses two draft plans, also out for public review: The Draft Transportation Outlook 2035 and the Final Draft FY 2008-2012 Transportation Improvement Program.

This report concludes that implementation of the projects in Transportation Outlook 2035 and the 2008-2012 TIP does not worsen the region's air quality or delay the timely attainment of national ambient air quality standards. The factors addressed in the conformity determination include ozone, fine particulate matter, and carbon monoxide.

>>> Learn more or download a copy of the air quality report

Children are returning to school soon and AAA is reminding area residents to drive carefully!

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one-fifth of all children 14 years of age and younger who die in motor vehicle crashes are pedestrians. On average, one pedestrian is killed in the United States every two hours. How do we prevent this from happening? You can help! Here are a few tips:

Driver's Tips to Keep School Children Safe

• Slow down in or near school and residential areas.

• Drive with your headlights on - even during the day - so children and other drivers can see you.

• Look for clues such as School Safety Patrols, Adult Crossing Guards, or bicycles, and playgrounds, which indicate children could be in the area.

• Always stop for school buses that are loading/unloading students.

• Limit distractions such as cell phones, CD players or other devices that cause you to take your eyes off the road.

• Pay particular attention near schools during the morning and afternoon hours.

• Scan between parked cars and other objects for signs that children could dart into the road.

Even though the American mainland has enjoyed a mostly quiet 2007 hurricane season so far, Harford County Emergency Planners are advising citizens to remain prepared for a potential tropical storm striking the region. Indeed, these next few months usually prove to be the height of the hurricane season. Emergency planners encourage families to build and maintain a complete home preparedness kit and plan. Certain items are critical to helping people through most emergencies that affect our region. The following supplies should be kept in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers such as backpacks, duffle bags or covered trash containers.

• Water - One gallon per person per day (two quarts for drinking, two quarts for food preparation and sanitation) for seven days per each person. Store the water in plastic containers (clean plastic bottles with screw caps)

• Food - (Don't forget a non-electric can opener.) Ready-to-eat canned meat, fruit and vegetables. Canned juices, milk and soup. Food for infants and adults with special diets. High-energy snacks (crackers, trail mix, granola bars, peanut butter, etc.). Comfort foods (cookies, candy, hot chocolate, tea bags, instant coffee)

• Prescription medicines

• First Aid Kit (including non-prescription drugs such as pain relievers)

• Flashlight and extra batteries

• Portable radio and extra batteries

• Cash (bills and coins)

• Important family documents

• A sturdy change of clothing, rain gear and bedding (blankets, sleeping bags)

• Small tool kit

• Bathroom supplies (toilet tissue, soap, personal hygiene items)

Keep handy a list of local radio stations (WXCY 103.7 FM; WHFC 91.1 FM; and WBAL 1090 AM) to listen for advisories before, during and after a hurricane. Also, make a list of telephone numbers for the hospital, police and your local emergency operations office.
 

Engaging the Baltimore Metropolitan Region in
transportation planning, equity, and environmental justice.
Baltimore Metropolitan Council

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