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County staff urges rural voice in GWRC advisory committee as funding gap grows
Summary
Staff described forming a rural transportation technical advisory committee at the George Washington Regional Commission to amplify small jurisdictions' needs and seek funding changes; members discussed SmartScale and long‑term funding constraints for rural projects.
Caroline County transportation staff briefed the committee about a new rural transportation technical advisory committee formed with assistance from the George Washington Regional Commission (GWRC) to give rural jurisdictions a stronger voice in regional transportation priorities.
"I championed the or jumped wholeheartedly both feet in supporting the idea of a rural transportation committee," staff said, describing the committee's role in pressing for funding that addresses rural needs and noting minutes from the first two meetings were distributed. Staff said the committee elected a chair at the July 10 meeting and will coordinate rural jurisdictions to approach legislators and regional authorities on funding formulas and project prioritization.
Members discussed how the removal of tolls on I‑95 altered funding flows for rural programs and how SmartScale awards often favor urbanized areas. One attendee said Port Royal planners are concerned that growth in truck traffic on US‑301 and state or federal designations could threaten the town's character and its properties on state and national historic registers.
Staff framed the advisory committee as a way for rural jurisdictions to collect and present shared funding priorities at the PDC level and to pursue conversations with legislators about funding formulas. The committee plans follow‑up and further outreach to local governing bodies about legislative agendas and funding mechanisms.
