Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett today announced his recommended Fiscal Year (FY) 2010 Capital Budget and proposed amendments to the FY 09-14 Capital Improvements Program (CIP), which recognize the serious budget constraints facing the County. Currently, Montgomery County faces at least a $450 million gap in the FY 2010 operating budget for the fiscal year that begins this July 1. This capital budget shifts $30 million in PAYGO (Pay-As-You-GO funding using current revenue) for use in the County Executive’s recommended operating budget, due out March 15.

“Montgomery County, the state of Maryland and the country are all facing unprecedented budgetary challenges and my administration is scrutinizing every dollar currently allocated in the CIP budget to ensure that resources are spent on our most critical capital needs,” said Leggett. “By reexamining project schedule time plans, we will make available resources from existing projects -- without significant delays. I will work aggressively with the County’s delegations to pursue both State and Federal aid in support of our capital program. Depending on the outcome of the 90-day state legislative session, we may be forced to revisit these recommendations.”

Leggett’s fiscal plan recommends borrowing consistent with the Spending Affordability Guidelines (SAG) approved by the Council in February 2008 and the CIP adopted in May 2008. In his message to the County Council, Leggett urged members to resist increasing SAG to maintain responsible debt capacity levels and ensure continuation of Montgomery County’s AAA credit rating.

Highlights of Leggett’s CIP recommendations, based on his administration’s priorities, are listed below:

Children Prepared to Live and Learn

Leggett remains committed to quality education and the CIP recommendations support funding for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS), Montgomery College and other MCPS-based initiatives. Leggett supports the entire MCPS Board of Education request for an increase of $15.6 million, except for one-half million dollars for a new Water Quality Compliance study. The Executive supports compliance with the State’s new stormwater management requirements, but recommends deferring this project until the scope of work and cost estimates are more clearly defined.

To serve Montgomery College’s growing student population, Leggett continues investment in expanded facilities by funding the College’s request for $81.6 million. Leggett fully supports construction of the new Bioscience Education Center, including the required access road, at the Germantown campus. Support for this project assumes $40.8 million in State aid. Leggett’s recommendation also reflects cost adjustments to the Rockville Science Center and Roof Replacement projects as requested by the College.

Health and Human Services and MCPS

To further his priorities in education and health and human services, Leggett recommends funding to renovate the Linkages to Learning Center at Fox Chapel Elementary School to improve this site’s ability to provide services. Also recommended is construction funding for the first county high school Wellness Center at Northwood High School.

Affordable Housing in an Inclusive Community

The CIP amendments include full funding over a three year period to modernize fire protection systems at four Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) properties housing low income independent seniors. Leggett recommends funding critical replacement of fire alarm systems and installation of sprinkler systems in these four properties. Implementation will be phased in for Holly Hall, Elizabeth House, Arcola Towers and Bauer Park Apartments.

Effective and Efficient Transportation Network:  Roads, Bridges and Mass Transit

Budget recommendations maintain Leggett’s commitment to funding the Clarksburg Town Center Connector Road to Maryland Route 355, which leverages contributions from a development partner to provide much needed access and accelerates construction of the Burtonsville Access Road.

Faced with cost increases resulting from escalating construction prices, this budget supplements funding for essential safety, including Father Hurley Boulevard extended, White Ground Road Bridge, Clarksburg Road Bridge and East Gude Drive Road Bridge.

The amendments assume the use of Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) revenues to cover cost increases for the Glenmont Metro Parking Expansion, which will be designed and built by WMATA to meet critical Metro parking needs. Although Leggett remains firmly committed to updating the County’s transit buses, a five million dollar reduction in FY09 State aid for this program will delay some new bus purchases during FY09 and FY10.

Safe Streets and Secure Neighborhoods

Leggett’s proposed CIP budget includes funds to upgrade the Fire Station Alerting System and phase in a replacement system over a four-year period. To improve pedestrian and public safety, the budget also includes a new project to install streetlights on Wisteria Drive in Germantown between Great Seneca Highway and Sky Blue Drive.

A Responsive and Accountable County Government

To maintain the County’s infrastructure and environmental quality, Leggett recommends additional funds to upgrade and replace storage facilities at County Depots and make structural repairs to the flooring system at the Red Brick Courthouse. 

Leggett transmitted his CIP recommendations to the County Council for their approval. Under a 1996 County Charter amendment, a new CIP is developed in even-numbered calendar years. In alternate years, like this year, the Executive may recommend amendments to the existing six-year CIP.

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Media Contact: Patrick Lacefield, 240-777-6507
Program Contact: Joe Beach, 240-777-2777