Efforts to bolster Maryland’s flagging economy and ease projected budget deficits may hinge on improving the state’s transit and road systems. But the fund that pays for roads and transit is projected to have a more than $1 billion shortfall over the next six years, and lawmakers will return to Annapolis next month facing an “enormous” projected operating budget deficit estimated at $2.6 billion in the coming fiscal year, and approaching $6 billion by fiscal 2030. Much of the gap is driven by costly reforms called for by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.
The greater good: “Investing in Maryland’s transportation network will make the state more attractive to business, growing the pie for everyone,” said David Smith, head of government affairs for Martin Marietta, during a symposium held Nov. 21 by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce.
