Oakland Bypass Project Has Been "Deferred" For At Least Six Years

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Oakland Bypass Project Has Been "Deferred" For At Least Six Years


Sep. 11, 2008

Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari announced yesterday during a press conference in Annapolis that his department has been forced to cut back on transportation projects by $1.1 billion over the next six fiscal years because of national economic conditions.
Among those being cut is the $42 million Oakland/Rt. 219 bypass project. Some of the right-of-way funding and all of the construction money for that initiative has been deferred, said a Maryland Department of Transportation spokesperson this morning.

He stressed that all state projects affected by the cutbacks, including the Oakland bypass, that are currently under way have not been canceled, "just deferred." Once the economy improves, he added, the projects will be re-evaluated.

"We expect funding for all of these projects to be fully restored, but we can't foresee the future," the spokesperson said.

Funding cuts are widespread in the department's six-year spending plan draft, including the mass transit program.

The spokesperson stressed, however, that some areas will not be cut because of safety issues. Such programs as bridges and system preservation (road upkeep) will be fully funded.

Porcari will begin his department's annual state "road show" next Monday in Anne Arundel County. The secretary and other state transportation officials are scheduled to meet with the Garrett County commissioners on Friday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m. at the courthouse.

The Maryland Department of Transportation's draft six-year spending plan for 2010 – 2015 will be unveiled, and county officials and residents will have a chance to discuss their concerns with Porcari.


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