[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},"mediaId",6355999,"mediaKeyId","2217180-b96e15002735532625b1b2a3a0031906","parentId",2217180,"title","MDOT presents $21.2 billion six‑year plan; DLS highlights revenue assumptions and debt limits as transit riders press for repairs","audioSeconds",3816,"startMs",3824085,"endMs",8000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2217180-b96e15002735532625b1b2a3a0031906&start=3824&end=8","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2217180-b96e15002735532625b1b2a3a0031906/thumbnail_3824085.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6355999/Maryland/MDOT-presents-212-billion-sixyear-plan-DLS-highlights-revenue-assumptions-and-debt-limits-as-transit-riders-press-for-repairs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6355999-29606962b45e9976aad8aefd9ddc4010/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178095&Signature=fD~gyodQw8CmLNV3crh6Xl91uyeoGFkwobjtdgG0HgPU4HK8~5y1miTlc6h5i4I9BeoheBxuVmxSX4bqvtoqcAwrYnczXgvba2Dh1qz0-JooAQf-tx-1PnP52Kg-~5z2mEpPT3Sc-jDQ8kjCh0mdMfdkHtJ8uMj9V00uzpd1JPhQDCwZhbSAsl-kFhtTcMPWdYlnC8y5NE7IVjVzecrbWDTqw7dJWVTr4Ze5KoRhzSNRxZzKwsDiwi-QTQgol3kDP-4Gb81~RXPzAiJD1jnhHtdmFQpwhI7vMuEC6gnn6gEi-J6c1t1MJLwwP~pJs~lG~FmcSiw5jr40RhrCwPYO2g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","","date","2025-02-04T08:16:27Z","article","The Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee received a detailed overview of the Maryland Department of Transportation’s proposed fiscal 2026 plan, the Transportation Trust Fund forecast and a separate debt service analysis that examined capacity for new bond issuances and the proposed use of grant anticipation revenue vehicle (GARVEE) bonds.

Department of Legislative Services analysts opened with headline figures: MDOT’s total operating and capital budget across the plan is roughly $6.7 billion for the year under review and approximately $21,200,000,000 is programmed in the six‑year capital program. DLS noted the Transportation Trust Fund closed fiscal 2024 with a $631,000,000 balance, which the forecast projects will decline to about $400,000,000 in FY26 absent additional action. The department derives about 20% of TTF revenue from motor fuel taxes; titling, registration and federal support are other major revenue sources.

DLS and the department discussed new revenues proposed in the BRFAA and the Governor’s budget that would add roughly $420,000,000 in ongoing state transportation revenue annually; MDOT officials said those dollars would allow the state to leverage federal funding and financing to generate about $695,000,000 in new annual resources when federal matches and financing are included. Secretary Paul Wiedefeld told the committee the additional revenue is “critical to fully leverage all available federal funding and financing opportunities,” and that without new revenues the department would face further cuts.

On debt, DLS analyst Steve McCullough explained that Maryland uses 15‑year consolidated transportation bonds (CTBs) and noted that the department maintains a practice of targeting at least a 2.5-times debt service coverage ratio though bond resolutions set a 2.0 minimum. The CTB statutory cap remains $4,500,000,000; CTB debt outstanding was roughly $2,900,000,000 at the end of FY25. DLS included the proposed $420,000,000 in its debt models and found coverage ratios remain above MDOT’s 2.5 target through the forecast; however, DLS cautioned that if the proposed revenues were not adopted and the state attempted to replace the same level of capital spending with additional bond issuances it could press ratios toward the 2.0 floor and constrain future borrowing.

DLS also reviewed GARVEE bonds, debt backed by anticipated federal formula aid; the CTP includes GARVEE use for light rail modernization and shows an expected $27,000,000 of annual GARVEE debt service beginning with a tranche issued in 2027 and a later tranche in 2031. DLS highlighted that GARVEE issuances commit future federal aid to debt service, reducing the federal funds available to pay as‑you‑go capital in later years.

Secretary Wiedefeld described CTP priorities as safety, system preservation and economic competitiveness and pointed to projects in the plan including system preservation work, the Baltimore Light Rail overhaul, port investments and airport state‑of‑good‑repair needs. Wiedefeld also noted MDTA’s separate role and reported preconstruction for the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild had begun under MDTA; he said federal funding commitments were in place and the state would pursue recovery from responsible parties for the bridge collapse costs.

Transit stakeholders urged the committee to protect and expand state investments. John Laria, chair of the Baltimore Regional Transit Commission, said the light rail system is “fragile” and at risk of total failure without investment in traction power substations and replacement vehicles, and he urged support for the final CTP figures. Brian O’Malley of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance and James (Jimmy) Rouse of Transit Choices also endorsed the governor’s transit investments and warned that postponing state of good repair work increases long‑term costs and hurts reliability.

The Department of Legislative Services recommended annual budget language requiring early notice to budget committees of substantial changes to the transportation capital program and two routine debt‑reporting recommendations for nontraditional debt. The department and DLS agreed to follow up on detailed project listings and to provide the committee additional comparisons showing projects that were cut, restored or delayed between draft and final CTP releases.

No formal votes were taken during the hearing; the subcommittee heard public testimony from transit advocates and industry representatives and pressed MDOT for follow‑up materials on revenue assumptions, GARVEE uses and the list of projects restored or delayed by the final plan.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","T&E Committee Session, 2/3/2025 #1","oneSentenceSummary","DLS and MDOT officials told lawmakers the six‑year capital plan programs about $21.2 billion and that the FY26 request relies on proposed new state revenues of $420 million annually to leverage federal funds and meet debt coverage and capital priorities.","taxTitle","Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee, Appropriations Committee, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Committees, Legislative, Maryland","taxId",78565,"location","Maryland","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6356003,"Insurance regulator cites backlog, IT overhaul and fraud staffing in fiscal 2026 request",919,2545835,3465385,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2217180-b96e15002735532625b1b2a3a0031906&start=2545&end=3465","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2217180-b96e15002735532625b1b2a3a0031906/thumbnail_2545835.jpg","/articles/6356003/Maryland/Insurance-regulator-cites-backlog-IT-overhaul-and-fraud-staffing-in-fiscal-2026-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6356003-20987c4ae6f0e696faaa6d4e438524a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178095&Signature=YBPHzpU8HqSyZK2GW3ISZ9L~UWv1oHnofktHcf7uy-NKGXPzbBfYK8P7boEunysUToaLFNkCeiIQQBz~XWuEBbTXi1QYA5XFK8f9gJlf0IcRP08htj-X5J6YMGPLeJaaEucXhnvxFnwjCQd0WI4tq7GntKsyW9F2nSCAx2isNgmQyA6OrTXjSn8k7ON2PQ6qGUHkFgHpazOkKXE~hCpuwzv~QDHZScTe36LvhqCN3sYzWnfTz~bOi9gpC3FhMrBeCgnCGs4kVMPcUO7ALloX8O6dy1ID5Py4lZUal8P~EI2ssQFOY1S4L87qiUxK0YpKn7wJWm7wjKFN~3nNPoUeOw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The subcommittee reviewed the Maryland Insurance Administration’s fiscal 2026 budget, operations and planned information technology upgrade as acting Insurance Commissioner Marie Grant outlined work to reduce a consumer complaint backlog and to modernize an aging tracking system.

Scott Benson of the Department of Legislative Services summarized the analysis and said the fiscal 2026 operating allowance increases by $1,100,000, or 1.9%, to $57,900,000 and includes 13 new regular positions alongside a net decrease of seven contractual full‑time equivalents. Benson noted the agency’s insurance tracking system originally began planning in 2019 and that previous project cost estimates varied. “Originally the insurance tracking system project was estimated to cost between $23,000,000 for the total project development and implementation,” he said.

Marie Grant, acting insurance commissioner and nominee pending Senate confirmation, told the panel the administration now estimates the overall project cost at a little more than $22,000,000 and expects approximately $7,670,000 to be spent in fiscal 2026 from special funds. “I am extremely dedicated to getting this project on time and on budget,” Grant said, and she committed to providing regular project updates to the committees as recommended by DLS.

Committee members focused on three operational challenges: a rising caseload of property and casualty complaints, declining clearance rates for certain complaint categories, and fewer fraud referrals opened for investigation in recent years. Grant said the administration is addressing the roughly 3,000‑complaint backlog by reorganizing workflows, hiring contractual retirees and adding contractual staff in fiscal 2026. She said the MIA is also improving oversight of rates and forms filings to try to prevent complaints before they occur.

Grant said the agency is strengthening its fraud‑investigation unit and has added a new associate commissioner for fraud and enforcement. The administration is seeking staff increases in the fraud unit to investigate longer‑running, complex schemes; Grant said six new positions had been requested for that division to better detect and prevent fraud that contributes to higher insurance costs.

The acting commissioner also described a recruitment and retention challenge: the agency reported 32 vacancies last week, roughly a 12.4% vacancy rate; Grant said 10 new hires were scheduled to start this month and five offers were outstanding.

DLS recommended adopting narrative language requiring regular status updates on the insurance tracking system project. The administration agreed to provide clarifying corrections and committed to delivering periodic progress reports to the budget committees.

No formal motions or votes were recorded on the MIA budget during the hearing.","The Maryland Insurance Administration projects a $57.9 million fiscal 2026 allowance, plans an IT replacement with higher cost estimates, and described a backlog of roughly 3,000 property and casualty complaints; the administration seeks permanent conversions and additional fraud investigators.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":56,"_74":56},6356009,"Maryland Department of Planning budget trims federal one‑time items, spotlights tax credit and SHINE grants",1798,676765,2475045,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2217180-b96e15002735532625b1b2a3a0031906&start=676&end=2475","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2217180-b96e15002735532625b1b2a3a0031906/thumbnail_676765.jpg","/articles/6356009/Maryland/Maryland-Department-of-Planning-budget-trims-federal-onetime-items-spotlights-tax-credit-and-SHINE-grants","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6356009-bb68f9c7582f93e97591dfa87f3701a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771178095&Signature=oTX4k4pDNoOFfnMiymcVL~4VCVVVSz9U7teybjsWaqiGRbH49jw0rb4HqJDyILRAIxUAakebikujJWka-8dW1QjqY~1JOVtNendkVMt2mstghxpzxjX7XVTgCPc6Q~JzaZPHir1Ul0kb4SXDzM-2DqmR09EUzPuIXT0EMf2jzPEYPJfIiB5XBZKN8~~MptX5p3xF3F7mMR02FQ5rh67PstQ0KZpEugRkf8D8KvBHKMh-F2md6Zo8rzWGTRgKPMk0TIMz00TelavFFId4dhplG7atMKc~uC5Vp9KJhuaJomdBbganCCY7d4Unn8QAkXIZTQ5KO1mzEYd4DorPMDJNlg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee of Appropriations heard a review of the Maryland Department of Planning’s fiscal 2026 allowance and public testimony urging restoration of small operating grants for community cultural groups.

Department of Legislative Services analyst Ms. Weibel told the committee the fiscal 2026 allowance for the Department of Planning is $52,700,000, about $3,300,000 below the prior year, and that roughly 80% of the funding is general funds. “This is $1,800,000 in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a pilot program using drones to deliver health care resources between Crisfield and Smith Island on the Eastern Shore,” Ms. Weibel said, describing a one‑time award that boosted fiscal 2025 totals.

The presentation and the department’s testimony centered on three recurring items in the budget: contractual conversions and personnel changes at the Maryland Historic Trust and Jefferson Patterson Park; the Maryland 250 Commission; and the historic revitalization tax credit program. Rebecca Flores, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Planning, said contractual conversions will be phased in and are largely funded from special funds tied to those programs and sites. “The additional funds are providing us with the ability to make those conversions and they will be phased in over time,” Flores said.

The fiscal 2026 allowance keeps a $22,000,000 reserve to support the historic revitalization tax credit program. Department materials and DLS break that amount into a $20,000,000 competitive commercial program and a $2,000,000 small commercial program. DLS recommended reducing the competitive commercial component by $2,000,000 to $18,000,000 in fiscal 2026, citing prior year demand and the state’s fiscal situation. Secretary Flores said the program “has such high use and high leverage potential” and that every $2,000,000 in tax credits typically leverages about $8,000,000 in private investment.

Committee members pressed for more detail about the Maryland 250 Commission’s funding. Flores and Director Elizabeth Hughes of the Maryland Historic Trust said the commission has received roughly $800,000 in state funding, a $10,000 grant from America 250, and received an additional $1,500,000 in federal funds in December 2024 to support grant programs. The fiscal 2026 allowance includes $250,000 in general funds for the commission; DLS asked the department to explain whether the full $250,000 will be needed given the federal award.

Public testimony emphasized the value of the SHINE grant program, administered by Maryland Humanities. Lucille Walker, executive director of the Southern Maryland National Heritage Area and co‑chair of the Maryland Heritage Area Coalition, said a BRFAA provision that would allow $340,000 of program open space funding to be used for operating costs and a grant software procurement would reduce grant dollars available to heritage areas. “That goes from our granting ability — that is three capital grants and one major program grant that we will not be able to fund,” Walker said.

Lindsay Baker, chief executive officer of Maryland Humanities, described SHINE regrants as $10,000 general‑operating awards targeted to small organizations (applicants must have budgets of $500,000 or less). Baker said the SHINE program regranted $2,350,000 statewide across FY23–FY25 and that this year the program received roughly 183 applications and funded 90 organizations, leaving 93 unfunded applicants. Several small museums and heritage organizations testified they used $10,000 SHINE awards to pay rent, insurance and basic operating expenses.

Committee members also queried the department about grants clearinghouses, census preparations for 2030, and the drone pilot. Flores said the state is engaging on census planning and has begun ramping up outreach and that the department will follow up with the subcommittee about statewide grant‑opportunity clearinghouse efforts. Director Hughes said the $1,500,000 federal award was encumbered for small grants, a regional festival program and local commission support but cannot be used for operating costs.

The department will provide follow‑up responses to DLS questions about contractual conversions and to the subcommittee on the Maryland 250 Commission’s funding picture.

The subcommittee moved on after public testimony; no formal votes on the Department of Planning budget were recorded during the hearing.

The committee’s discussion makes clear the main decision points for the Department of Planning are (1) whether to adopt DLS’s recommended $2,000,000 reduction to the competitive commercial historic revitalization tax credit, (2) whether to allow the BRFAA provision to shift $340,000 from grants to software/operations and (3) the General Assembly’s choice about restoring or augmenting SHINE regrant funding for small cultural nonprofits.

Several witnesses asked legislators to preserve grant funding targeted to small, community‑based organizations as the committee continues consideration of the department’s allowance and related BRFAA language.","Lawmakers reviewed the Maryland Department of Planning's fiscal 2026 allowance, which falls about $3.3 million from last year; discussion focused on the $22 million historic revitalization tax credit reserve, a $1.8 million drone pilot, the Maryland 250 Commission and the fate of SHINE regrants for small nonprofits.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

MDOT presents $21.2 billion six‑year plan; DLS highlights revenue assumptions and debt limits as transit riders press for repairs

Insurance regulator cites backlog, IT overhaul and fraud staffing in fiscal 2026 request

Maryland Department of Planning budget trims federal one‑time items, spotlights tax credit and SHINE grants