Transportation – Consolidated Transportation Program – Prioritization (Transportation Investment Priorities Act of 2025)
If enacted, HB20 would alter several existing statutes surrounding transportation planning and project prioritization in Maryland. The innovative project scoring mechanism intends to enhance decision-making by effectively ranking projects that address the most pressing transportation issues. The methodology for project evaluation will require public disclosure of scores and proposed projects, which aims to foster greater public engagement and accountability in the transportation planning process. This move is seen as a response to community calls for improved infrastructure that aligns with both local and state development goals.
House Bill 20, titled the Transportation Investment Priorities Act of 2025, aims to reform the way major surface transportation projects are prioritized and funded in Maryland. The bill outlines modifications to the Consolidated Transportation Program and the Maryland Transportation Plan, mandating that the Department of Transportation develop a new project-based scoring system. This system will assess the value of transportation projects based on various criteria, including safety, congestion reduction, environmental stewardship, community vitality, and economic prosperity. The goal of these changes is to create a transparent and effective framework for allocating transportation resources across the state.
Although HB20 is aimed at enhancing the transportation framework, it has also fueled discussions regarding the accessibility and equity of transportation investments. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have expressed concerns that the emphasis on project scoring may inadvertently favor larger urban projects over rural transportation needs, potentially sidelining communities that require critical improvements for sustainable mobility. Critics advocate for additional safeguards to ensure that diverse community needs, especially those of disadvantaged populations, are adequately considered in the transportation planning process. The balance between urban and rural needs remains a point of contention among legislators and stakeholders.