In the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on March 11, MACo Executive Director Michael Sanderson raised concerns with SB 760, a bill proposing to add more information ot submissions of major transportation projects. Among the relevant sections of the bill are these requirements: (5) FOR A MAJOR CAPITAL PROJECT TO BE CONSIDERED FOR 5 INCLUSION IN THE CONSOLIDATED TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM, A REQUEST MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY BY THE PROPOSING ENTITY ALONG WITH A…

MACo Associate Director Andrea Mansfield offered testimony on HB 1120 this week before the House Environmental Matters Committee.  This bill would implement the recommendations from the Task Force to Study Motor Vehicle Towing Practices.   The amendments offered at the hearing would ensure that the bill does not preempt counties that regulate towers and removes a section that refers to a licensing process.  This could be problematic because a number of jurisdictions do not have a…

In a letter to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee, the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) requested local government representation on the Blue Ribbon Commission on Maryland Transportation created by Senate Bill 229. This Commission would review, evaluate, and make recommendations on many aspects of transportation funding, including highway and maintenance needs.  In addition, it would examine the current State funding sources and structure of the Transportation Trust Fund; short- and long-term transit construction and…

Maryland Association of Counties Associate Director Andrea Mansfield testified in opposition yesterday to legislation that would limit the counties ability to install or replace lighting along county roadways.  However, after discussing these concerns with the sponsor, Delegate Carr, MACo has expressed willingness to work with the sponsor and the committee to address them. House Bill 169, the Marilyn J.  Praisner Safe and Earth-Friendly Roadway Act, would authorize local jurisdictions to install or replace highway lighting only…

Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Associate Director Andrea Mansfield testified in support of legislation authorizing the removal of improperly placed signs on highway rights-of-way by state or local authorities.  The bill, heard before the House Environmental Matters Committee, will help clean up the appearance of public roadways by clarifying the accountability for the person or company improperly placing signs, and for the governmental entity that enforces the provisions. The sponsor of the legislation, Delegate Pena-Melnyk,…