Governor Hogan signed HB 807/SB 516 -Transportation — Highway User Revenues — Distribution into law on Tuesday, April 24, 2018. These bills codify an important step toward restoration of Highway User Revenues (HUR) for Maryland counties and municipalities. For five years,  FY 2020 through 2024, the bill would increase the county share of Highway User Revenues from 1.5% to 3.2%, with additional funding also supporting Baltimore City and municipal government. It is estimated local government revenues will increase by over $70 million in 2020, significantly aiding local efforts to repair, replace, and maintain county roads and bridges that have suffered or deteriorated in the last several years.

The signing marked a pivotal moment in the almost 10 year journey to restoring local government Highway User Revenues (HUR) since funding was decimated — cut by 90% in 2010 — due to the recession. The share of funds for 23 counties plummeted from nearly $300 million in 2007 to only $40 million today. Baltimore City alone had an 87 percent reduction, nearly $100 million less each year than before the recession cuts. The cumulative loss of local roadway investment since fiscal 2010 was well over $3 billion.

For more information:

MACo to Governor: Please Sign Highway User Revenue Restoration 

MACo’s Letter to Governor Hogan

County Highway User Revenue Breakdown (FY19)

2018 End of Session Wrap-Up: Road Funding