The segments below provide a brief overview of MACo’s work in the area of transportation policy in the 2019 General Assembly.
MACo generally advocates for appropriate state assistance with roadways and bridges across our communities. Transportation is a shared function in Maryland, with state-maintained roadways (mainly numbered roads) and locally-maintained roadways interlocking throughout most areas.
Follow links for more coverage on Conduit Street and MACo’s Legislative Database.
Partnering with the State Highway Administration
MACo supported with amendments legislation that would have required the State Highway Administration to maintain sidewalks adjacent to state roads in priority funding areas. The proposed amendment urged the clarification that State Highways would repair the sidewalks in a manner that maintains their intended character, especially in historic areas. This legislation was withdrawn by its sponsor following the hearing.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
MACo supported legislation that would direct State Highways to develop guidelines for a range of traffic calming devices, advancing calming by both State and local transportation authorities and enhancing roadway safety across the state. This legislation was narrowed substantially by amendments, but the SHA guidance provisions passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor for his signature.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
Strengthening “Complete Streets”
MACo supported legislation to strengthen the already existing Complete Streets Grant Program. This legislation would add consideration of access to healthy food to the broad-based planning approach in the Complete Streets program, which already encourages local governments to consider non-vehicle traffic, infrastructure conduits, and stormwater planning in their roadway designs. This legislation also seeks to ensure that in future budget years, this program receives the resources it requires to carry out its intended work, but amendments removed the funding mandate (similar to the fate of many other such bills this session). This legislation passed both chambers and will be sent to the Governor for his signature.
Bill Information | MACo Coverage
