Governor O’Malley Names Members to the Local and Regional Transportation Funding Task Force

Leaders to study ways local governments can fund transportation

ANNAPOLIS, MD  – Governor Martin O’Malley today named local and State representatives to the Local and Regional Transportation Funding Task Force, which will study and make recommendations on the range of options available to county and municipal governments to generate resources to fund transit service and highway projects.

“Progress begins in Maryland’s counties. The Local and Regional Transportation Funding Task Force is comprised of  talented and experienced State and local officials, and will help determine the best ways to support regional and local transportation system needs,” said Governor O’Malley. “Together, we can continue to make the better choices to invest in the future of Maryland’s transportation network, allowing us to create more jobs for our hardworking families and rebuild our State’s infrastructure.”

The Task Force will study and make recommendations on the feasibility of creating regional transit financing entities and local–option transportation revenues for the purpose of raising additional funds to support regional and local transportation system needs throughout the State.

This task force was created as part of the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 (Transportation Act) signed into law on May 16th. The Transportation Act will support 57,200 jobs and invest a total of $4.4 billion over the next six years (FY 2014 – FY 2019), to enable Maryland to build a balanced, 21st century transportation system.

Governor O’Malley appointed the following bi-partisan members, representing local and county government, to serve on the Transportation Task Force:

• Matthew D. Gallagher, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Goldseker Foundation;
• Transportation Secretary James T. Smith, Jr.;
• Senator Richard S. Madaleno, Jr.;
• Senator George C. Edwards;
• Delegate Tawanna P. Gaines;
• Delegate A. Wade Kach;
• William S. Ratchford, II, Baltimore City Mayor’s Office;
• Lonnie Robbins, Chief Administrative Officer, Howard County;
• Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., Wicomico County Executive;
• Carol Krimm, Alderman, City of Frederick; and
• Denise Mitchell, Councilmember, City of College Park.

Matthew D. Gallagher will serve as Chair of the Task Force.  The Task Force is charged with studying the feasibility of using alternative financing mechanisms to help deliver regional and local transportation projects. The Task Force will submit a final report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by December 15, 2013.