Today Governor Larry Hogan announced that the state is getting a new license plate and a renewed look at crossing the bay.

The new “Maryland Proud” license plate featuring the Maryland flag will be available for all passenger cars, SUVs, trucks, motorcycles and multipurpose vehicles beginning September 26.

Marylanders may one day have the chance to drive their Maryland Proud-adorned vehicles over a new Bay crossing. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA) is conducting a $5 million study to identify potential locations and funding options for a new Chesapeake Bay crossing. The Tier 1 National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Study is the first critical step in examining the feasibility of building a new bridge. The study will begin this fall and take about four years to complete. Said Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn,

The Bay Bridge can be maintained safely through 2065 with preservation and maintenance work; however, studies show that by 2040, motorists could experience up to 14-mile delays. This is the first step in a long process to address the demand for additional capacity across the Chesapeake Bay.