Lawmakers review MDOT six‑year plan, new revenue proposals and debt capacity; transit advocates urge more repair funding

The Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee reviewed the Maryland Department of Transportation's fiscal 2026 allowance and six‑year capital program on Feb. 19, receiving presentations from the Department of Legislative Services, MDOT leadership and public stakeholders about revenue proposals, debt capacity and urgent transit maintenance needs.

DLS analysts summarized MDOT’s combined operating and capital program at about $6.7 billion in the budget package and reported a fiscal 2024 closing Transportation Trust Fund balance of about $631 million. Analysts noted motor fuel, titling and registration revenue through November 2024 trailed projections by about $50.3 million and cautioned that, if the pattern continued, collections could fall roughly $133.8 million short of projections for the year.

DLS outlined the six‑year capital program showing roughly $21.2 billion programmed over the forecast period, with the largest single capital category being system preservation (about 44% of capital spending). Exhibit analyses showed state sources (special and general funds) comprise roughly 44% of the six‑year capital funding mix, with…