Governor O'Malley Announces the Release of Maryland's First Statewide Freight Plan
Statewide freight summit attracted many federal and state officials to discuss a long-term vision for freight in Maryland
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 14, 2009) –Governor Martin O’Malley today announced the release of Maryland’s first Statewide Freight Plan. The Plan was unveiled at the Maryland Department of Transportation’s second Statewide Freight Summit at the BWI Airport Hilton. In addition to reviewing the new Plan, Transportation Secretary Beverley K. Swaim-Staley discussed the future of freight in Maryland with key Federal and State officials attending the summit, including: Senator Benjamin L. Cardin, Congressman John P. Sarbanes, Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards, Department of Business and Economic Development Secretary Christian S. Johansson, Federal Highway Administration Associate Administrator of Policy Shailen Bhatt and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Transportation Infrastructure Director Janet Kavinoky.
“In the coming years, Maryland will experience 75 percent more freight shipments sharing our roadways and railways,” said Governor O’Malley. “This Statewide Freight Plan has identified more than 100 port, highway and rail projects to help us support these additional trucks and trains without increasing congestion on our already overburdened highways and commuter railways. This Plan shows how economic development and quality of life can coexist.”
In preparation for the 75 percent increase by 2030, the Plan prioritizes the 100 projects based on specific criteria ranging from safety and security to freight connectivity. The Statewide Freight Plan was built after many months of working with Maryland freight stakeholders.
“This Summit and the Maryland Statewide Freight Plan continue the communication and collaboration with local governments that is so critical in developing the best statewide and regional freight system in the country,” said Transportation Secretary Swaim-Staley. “Working together with our public and private sector partners, this plan will inform local and regional planning and guide our transportation investments for years to come.”
Working to support Maryland’s Smart, Green and Growing Initiative, this Statewide Freight Plan brings us one step closer to implementing a balanced and sustainable transportation vision for the State, even in these challenging times. Maryland is one of the first states in the nation to adopt a Statewide Freight Plan that outlines how freight and effective land use can work together to create opportunities to preserve and improve the environment, while strengthening Maryland’s economy at the same time. For more information on the Statewide Freight Plan, you can view or download the plan by visiting this website link: http://www.mdot.state.md.us/OFL/StatewideFreightPlan.pdf
