BRAC Related Transportation Funding

In September 2008, the State of Maryland announced massive reductions in its Consolidated Transportation Program. As a result, Montgomery County faces over $100 million in local transportation spending cuts, affecting a number of high priority projects. BRAC-related spending was cut by $16 million, amounting to a 30 percent funding reduction for planned intersection upgrades including Wisconsin Avenue at Cedar Lane, Wisconsin Avenue at Jones Bridge Road, Connecticut Avenue at Jones Bridge Road, and Cedar Lane at Old Georgetown Road.

The Maryland Department of Transportation has assured the County that the Design and Engineering phases of these projects remain fully funded and will proceed on an expedited basis. MDOT hopes that construction funds will eventually be restored; however, we cannot assume that deferred funds will become available in time to complete the necessary improvements before the 2011 opening of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

I believe that we cannot afford to wait and hope for improved budget conditions. Therefore, along with my colleagues on the Council, I will be exploring options to provide temporary construction funding once the Design and Engineering phases of the intersection improvements are complete. Of course, I will continue to work with Senators Cardin and Mikulski and Congressman Van Hollen, all of whom have shown us steadfast support, to seek additional federal assistance.

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