Leggett Announces Recommended FY17 Operating Budget; Includes Funding to Move Forward on Bus Rapid Transit On March 15, County Executive Ike Leggett released his recommended fiscal year 2017 budget. A highlight of his announcement was funding for Bus Rapid Transit and improved Ride On service for key corridors. Read more. MCDOT Installs Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Four More Garages MCDOT’s Division of Parking Management is installing electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in four more County-owned parking garages that will be available soon. The four locations will each have one station providing service to two parking spaces. Read more. MCDOT’s Gary Erenrich Moderates Session at Global Mass Transit Report Conference MCDOT’s Acting Deputy Director Gary Erenrich moderated a national conference session on policy guidance for transit management and safety issues. Read more. MCDOT Accepting Applications for Landscaping and Photography Competitions MCDOT is accepting applications for its 30th Annual Keep Montgomery County Clean and Green (formerly Keep Montgomery County Beautiful) Landscaping and 25th Annual Amateur Photography competitions. The focus of the Landscape Beautification Contest has changed to emphasize environmentally sensitive plantings that eschew non-native and invasive species, help reduce stormwater runoff, minimize water use, provide wildlife habitat, and keep pesticides and fertilizers out of local streams. Read more. New Report Shows Traffic Crashes Cost Employers $47.4 Billion in 2013 (From March 3, 2016 Network of Employers for Traffic Safety Newsletter) A new report, funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, highlights ways businesses can help save lives and money through roadway safety education in the workplace. Read more. MARCH 18, 2016 MCDOT Conducts Intensive Effort to Fill Potholes Earlier this month, the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) began conducting an intensive effort to fill the County’s potholes. Since January, the department has filled more than 1,000 potholes reported through MC311 and others crews encountered as they made their rounds. Read more. First of 57 New Ride On Buses Have Arrived New Ride On buses have begun arriving in the County and as soon as they are checked and approved, are being put into service. By June, riders will see 57 new buses that will be replacing the oldest buses in Ride On’s fleet. The Senior Connection Wins National Award; Senior Connection Seeking More Volunteer Drivers The National Volunteer Transportation Center (NVTC), which recognizes outstanding volunteer transportation programs across the country, selected the Senior Connection as its Grand STAR Award winner. The Senior Connection is the largest provider of free, escorted transportation in Montgomery County and is seeking more volunteer drivers.Read more.

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Leggett Testifies in Annapolis for Comprehensive Transportation Financing

Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett testified before the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee on February 20 concerning Senate Bill 830, the Transportation Financing Act.

Excerpts of Leggett’s speech are below:

“Now is the time – this is the year – for Maryland to reach a consensus on a plan that will produce significant and sustainable State revenues for transportation investment in this State. The State’s economic future depends on it.

“While we may not agree on the options selected, the Senate President’s plan creates the opportunity for a serious discussion to take place about the need to invest in our State’s transportation infrastructure.

“I believe now, more than ever, we are at a tipping point – one that Virginia has also finally realized – that in both rural and urban areas the lack of any new investment in transportation has taken its toll from a quality of life and economic development perspective. Developing and maintaining transportation infrastructure has to be a partnership – and Montgomery County is doing its part.

”Our list of transportation priorities reflects funds already spent and planned County investments totaling nearly $300 million – for transportation projects that by definition are the State’s responsibility. Why are we doing this? Because we had no choice!

Our needs alone are daunting. Montgomery County’s four priority projects, without full build outs, require over a billion dollars of State investment. One of these projects is the Watkins Mill Interchange located in the I-270 corridor, which, once completed, will result in the addition of nearly 15,000 new jobs.”

Although others in the State may think, ‘Your transit and failed intersection needs aren’t our problem,’ I would argue that they are, particularly if the Washington region is going to continue to be depended upon to be a key economic engine and creator of jobs for the State. All of our new master plans require transportation investments. These plans, and the jobs they will create, cannot move forward without this investment, which the State must partner in.

“With Northern Virginia’s HOT lanes that opened in the fall and the Silver Line opening next year, the regional competitive landscape for the Washington region has shifted. And, we are closely following the Virginia debate, which could very well produce a comprehensive funding plan by the end of the week.”

Leggett urged State lawmakers to act so that Maryland and Montgomery County will remain economically competitive in the future.