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DOT general fund amendments include $3 million for White’s Ferry reopening; Forest Glen Passage delayed in CIP
Summary
The Transportation General Fund amendments approved by the T&E Committee included $3 million to facilitate a possible reopening of White’s Ferry, increased bikeway minor-project funding, and recognized a multi-year delay for the Forest Glen Passage project due to rising costs and fiscal capacity constraints.
The Transportation General Fund FY26 operating budget review included multiple operating and CIP-related amendments. The T&E Committee supported executive enhancements for maintenance of subdivision roads, accelerated short-span bridge inspection funding, and operation and maintenance costs associated with new capital projects, including new street lights on US-29.
Notable actions included a $3,000,000 allocation intended to facilitate reopening White’s Ferry. Committee members and staff described long-running negotiations with property owners and partners on both sides of the Potomac; the $3 million was presented as an incentive to encourage private parties to reach a resolution that would allow ferry service to resume. Committee members praised DOT staff and noted the county’s ongoing role in the effort.
The committee also discussed the Forest Glen Passage project. Staff said a preliminary design and cost estimate showed complex accessibility, fire and life-safety elements that drove up the projected price. A portion of approximately $22.8 million in construction funding was moved out of the six-year CIP window to remain within spending affordability; the project’s total cost increased to reflect higher construction costs, and schedule adjustments were adopted.
The committee unanimously approved the department’s operating budget recommendations and CIP timing changes, while rejecting proposed reductions to bike-share and road-resurfacing programs.
