This post summarizes the status of transportation and public works legislation that MACo either considered or took a position on.

Transportation Facilities – Water Access: HB 797 would require local governments and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), when developing a construction or improvement project involving a bridge or other facility that is adjacent to a waterway to consider any reasonable and appropriate measures to provide water access for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, or other nonmotorized recreational activity. Local governments and MDOT must also establish standards and guidelines for identifying appropriate bridges and other transportation facilities to be considered, and best practices and cost-effective strategies for accommodating water access. MACo did not take a position on this bill.

Final Status: HB 797 passed the General Assembly and has been signed into law by the Governor.

Life Cycle Costs Analysis: HB 1325 would require MDOT to apply a life cycle cost analysis to its evaluation of each transportation project that costs more than $1 million. MACo did not take a position on this bill.

Final Status:  HB 1325 passed the House, but died in the Senate Rules Committee.