Maryland legislators are considering a rating system for transportation projects recently approved in Virginia. The bill would also check the power of the state's governor in killing project proposals.
Pete Tomao reports on a legislative effort to push back on the anti-transit actions of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, who drove the nail into the coffin of plans for the Baltimore Red Line in 2015.
"Last Tuesday, Maryland lawmakers unveiled a slew of bills aimed at bringing balance back to the transportation budget," explains Tomao. For instance, the Open Transportation Decision Investment Act (SB908/HB1013) would change the way Maryland funds transportation projects, by establishing a scoring system for transportation projects. "If a Governor decided to fund a project that ranked low over one that ranked high, he or she would have to provide an official explanation," according to Tomao.
The article notes the checkered past of Governor Hogan with regard to transportation funding projects. Since killing the Red Line project, Gov. Hogan has proposed an overhaul of Baltimore's bus system as well as a package of highway widening projects. A coalition of civil rights groups has also filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation that the decision to cancel the Red Line project violated the Civil Rights Act.
A spokesperson for Larry Hogan described the Open Transportation Decision Investment Act as a power grab, according to Tomao. The state of Virginia, however, passed similar legislation earlier this year.
FULL STORY: Larry Hogan couldn't have canceled the Red Line so easily if a new bill had been law
U.S. DOT Won't Investigate Potential Civil Rights Violation on Baltimore Red Line Cancellation
In the waning days of the Obama Administration, the U.S. Department of Transportation saw reason to investigate the civil rights implications of a decision to cancel funding for the Baltimore Red Line light rail project.
Light Rail It Is for Baltimore’s Red Line Project
The decision to go with light rail over bus rapid transit will be more expensive and take longer to complete, but proponents say it’s an investment in Baltimore’s economic future.
Baltimore Close to Approving $70 Billion Transportation Plan
The region’s proposed long-range plan includes over $11 billion for transit projects.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
The Five Most-Changed American Cities
A ranking of population change, home values, and jobs highlights the nation’s most dynamic and most stagnant regions.
Op-Ed: Why an Effective Passenger Rail Network Needs Government Involvement
An outdated rail network that privileges freight won’t be fixed by privatizing Amtrak.
‘Quality Work, Fast’: NC Gears up for Homebuilding After Helene, Trying to Avoid Past Pitfalls
The state will field bids to demolish, repair and rebuild homes in the mountains. After struggles in eastern NC, officials aim to chart a different course.
Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions