Meeting to Be Held October 16 at 7 p.m. in Frederick
FREDERICK, Md. – Frederick County residents are encouraged to attend an upcoming public meeting to share feedback with State officials regarding transportation and transit needs in Frederick County. The meeting will take place Wednesday, October 16, at 7 p.m. at Winchester Hall, 12 E. Church Street in Frederick.
Representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be in attendance to share information and receive public feedback regarding the recently released draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP) for Fiscal Years 2025-2030. The CTP is Maryland’s six-year capital budget for transportation projects and programs.
“My administration will continue to advocate for the transportation funding needed to address safety and traffic concerns in our community, particularly on the U.S. 15 corridor,” said County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “This draft CTP effectively halts the U.S. 15 safety project. I encourage residents to attend the upcoming meeting to learn more and share comments. Our voice is strongest when we advocate together.”
“The U.S. 15 project is vital to the safety and well-being of Marylanders and the economic development of surrounding areas,” County Council President Brad Young said. “This project has broad, bipartisan support as Frederick County’s top transportation project.”
The draft FY 25-30 CTP highlights significant shifts in transportation funding that will directly impact priority projects in Frederick County, including a $14.3 million decrease in funding for the U.S. 15 safety project. This project targets a section of U.S. 15 from Interstate 70 to Md. Route 26 for critical safety upgrades that would eliminate dangerous weave conditions and provide important sound and safety barriers.
Last year, the State put the U.S. 15 project construction funding on hold but retained funding for engineering and design, making it unclear when the project will break ground. The newly released version of the draft CTP reduced funding for planning the project in FY25 and no longer includes any additional funding in future years for design, engineering, or construction. The U.S. 15 project has long been a priority for Frederick County. Fitzwater noted that while the County understands the fiscal challenges of the current State transportation revenue model, the defunding of the U.S. 15 improvement project will have significant safety and quality of life impacts for Frederick County residents and visitors.
Other components of the draft CTP that impact Frederick County include funding for Highway User Revenue and Locally Operated Transit Systems. Although Highway User Revenue funding was maintained in the draft, it remains significantly below historic funding levels. Frederick County officials will urge MDOT to explore ways to enhance Highway User Revenue funding sources and for additional funds to be added to Locally Operated Transit Systems.
“Frederick County is proud to serve our residents with our public transit system, which is vital to our community’s growth and well-being,” said Fitzwater. “My administration remains committed to ensuring that Frederick County receives adequate State funding to continue improving transit services so that residents and businesses can thrive.”
For members of the public who plan to attend the October 16 meeting via public transportation, there are several Frederick County Transit options that serve Winchester Hall. The 51 and 61 Connectors serve Market Street and Church Street, less than two blocks from Winchester Hall. The 40, 50, 60, and 65 Connectors, and the Brunswick/Jefferson, North Frederick, and Emmitsburg/Thurmont Shuttles operate nearby. For additional information, visit www.frederickcountymd.gov/transit .