Governor Wes Moore has introduced the MOVE (Mobilizing Opportunities for Vital Economic Growth) Maryland Coalition, a broad initiative aimed at strengthening the state’s transportation infrastructure and economic mobility. Speaking at an event in Annapolis alongside local officials and transportation advocates, Moore emphasized that the $420 million annual investment is a critical step in ensuring that Marylanders have reliable, efficient, and safe transit options. The plan, detailed in the state’s Consolidated Transportation Program, seeks to modernize key infrastructure components, including roadways, transit systems, and the Port of Baltimore.
“You cannot have economic mobility without physical mobility. That’s the mindset at the center of MOVE Maryland – a broad coalition of leaders from both the public and private sectors who have raised their hands to help us write the next chapter in the story of Maryland transportation,” Moore stated. “In partnership, we will create jobs, grow our economy, and make transportation across our state safer and more reliable for all.”
Addressing Maryland’s Infrastructure Challenges
Maryland’s transportation system has been facing a growing crisis, with years of underinvestment putting critical projects in jeopardy. The depletion of nearly $3 billion in federal COVID-19 relief funds, which had temporarily masked the state’s transportation funding shortfalls, has left officials scrambling to address mounting deficits in the Transportation Trust Fund. Without new sources of revenue, the Maryland Department of Transportation warned that essential projects, from highway safety improvements to bridge repairs, could face significant delays or outright cancellation.
The MOVE Maryland Coalition brings together more than 40 organizations dedicated to advancing the state’s transportation priorities. The funding proposal is designed to tackle long-overdue infrastructure needs, including long-awaited improvements to I-81 and US 15, the rehabilitation of Maryland’s Light Rail system, and investments in critical safety enhancements on state highways. Additionally, significant resources will be directed toward maintaining and expanding the Port of Baltimore, a crucial driver of Maryland’s economy.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott underscored the importance of the initiative, particularly in ensuring that transportation investments are distributed equitably. “Investing in safe, sustainable infrastructure is vital for Baltimore’s future and Maryland’s overall success,” Scott said. “We are committed to maintaining our Highway User Revenue and seeking support for initiatives like the West Baltimore United project. Two significant investments in Baltimore—the Frederick Douglass Tunnel and Baltimore Penn Station—are particularly noteworthy. We’re optimistic about the positive developments ahead for Baltimore and the state of Maryland.”
Maximizing Federal Funding and Economic Growth
The Moore administration plans to make full use of available federal funding opportunities to maximize the impact of the state’s $420 million annual commitment. By leveraging additional federal resources, Maryland officials estimate that the total infusion into the Transportation Trust Fund could reach nearly $695 million annually, significantly increasing the capacity for infrastructure improvements across the state.
The Maryland Department of Transportation is prioritizing key investments in bridges, road resurfacing, and transit modernization, with an emphasis on enhancing safety and efficiency. Samantha Biddle, Deputy Secretary of the Department of Transportation, emphasized the urgent need for these additional resources. “These additional dollars are critical for the department to keep our transportation system in good working order by making critical bridge repairs, providing much-needed investments to transit, and enhancing the economic competitiveness of the Port of Baltimore,” Biddle stated.
Beyond safety concerns, the economic benefits of transportation investment were a central theme at the coalition’s launch. Improving infrastructure not only supports business growth but also creates thousands of jobs for Maryland workers. The state’s construction and transit industries stand to benefit significantly, as projects ranging from roadwork to rail improvements generate employment opportunities across the region.
Michael Sakata, President and CEO of the Maryland Transportation Builders and Materials Association, reinforced the connection between transportation investment and public safety. “Maryland’s transportation funding crisis is a public safety crisis that, if not addressed, would lead to fatalities, lost jobs, and the erosion of our quality of life,” Sakata said. “The governor has responded to the crisis with an investment that will improve the lives of everyone who lives, works, and has chosen to invest in our great state.”
Strengthening Maryland’s Workforce and Economy
The MOVE Maryland initiative extends beyond traditional infrastructure improvements, with a focus on workforce development and economic sustainability. The state’s long-term goal is to align transportation investments with economic growth strategies that provide Maryland residents with access to new job opportunities.
Mark Anthony Thomas, President and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee, noted that a strong transportation network is essential for business expansion and regional competitiveness. “The MOVE coalition will align the key partners in the state to advance much-needed investments to strengthen our transportation infrastructure and further support our long-term economic aspirations,” Thomas said.
Union representatives highlighted the impact of transportation funding on job creation and local economies. Ray Baker, Director of Communications for the Baltimore-DC Building Trades, pointed out the pride that skilled workers take in building essential infrastructure. “Governor Moore spoke about economic mobility and aligned it with transportation mobility. That is important because when union workers build something, they get the pride of investing in their community and saying, ‘I built that,’” Baker said.
For many Marylanders, access to reliable transit is a key factor in economic opportunity. The coalition aims to improve public transportation access across the state, ensuring that residents have dependable ways to reach employment centers, schools, and healthcare facilities. Ronald Hartman, a board member of the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, emphasized the impact of transit on daily life. “They help people to live full lives, providing ways to get to jobs, school, health care, and entertainment. We appreciate Governor Moore’s recognition of that,” Hartman stated.
The Road Ahead for Maryland’s Transportation Network
Maryland’s infrastructure challenges have been years in the making, and state leaders recognize that the road to recovery will require sustained investment and collaboration. The MOVE Maryland Coalition represents a step toward securing long-term funding solutions that will allow the state to maintain and expand its transportation network.
With critical projects at risk, the coalition is advocating for immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the state’s roads, bridges, and transit systems. The initiative’s success will depend on continued cooperation between state agencies, local governments, business leaders, and federal partners.
As Maryland moves forward with these investments, the focus remains on ensuring that every dollar spent contributes to safer, more efficient, and more reliable transportation for residents and businesses alike. Governor Moore’s commitment to linking economic mobility with infrastructure improvements underscores the broader vision behind MOVE Maryland—creating a transportation system that not only moves people but also drives the state’s economic future.