February 12, 2020

Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
David Cookson, Office of Transportation, 410-313-4312

A public form will be hosted on February 20th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Ellicott City

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the beginning of the public input process as the County prepares to submit its annual Priority Letter to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). The Howard County Office of Transportation will host a public information and input meeting on Thursday, February 20 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Columbia/Ellicott Room of the George Howard Building, 3430 Court House Drive in Ellicott City.

"Traffic and congestion is a top concern for many of our residents and businesses, with nearly 60 percent of workers crossing county borders each day on their commute," said Ball. "Increasing safe, reliable and accessible infrastructure is a priority as we work towards a more multi-modal society, so our residents can spend less valuable time in their cars. There are many projects to pursue, and we're seeking input so there is a collaborative and transparent process with our residents, county council and state legislative delegation to help create the best transportation experience for everyone in Howard County.”

The Priority Letter will recommend Howard County’s prioritized transportation projects for MDOT’s FY 2021-2026 Consolidated Transportation Program. The letter is due to MDOT this April, and is a result of review and input by County staff from several departments, elected and appointed officials.  During the meeting, County staff will present information on priority letter projects and solicit feedback and comments on both general transportation priorities and specific projects. The presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. and be repeated at 7:00 p.m.

Information about the FY 2021 Priority Letter, copies of previous priority letters and more information is available online at www.howardcountymd.gov/Departments/County-Administration/Transportation/Transportation-Projects/Priority-Letter.

Those unable to attend the meeting who would like to submit comments and input into the FY 2021 letter, should contact Mr. David Cookson, Planning Manager with the Office of Transportation, by:
•    Email at [email protected], or 
•    Mail to: Howard County Office of Transportation, c/o David Cookson, 3430 Court House Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21043 by no later than Friday, February 28.

An interpreter for people who are deaf or hard of hearing will be available if requested seven working days prior to the meeting. Please call the Office of Transportation at 410-313-4312 (voice) or use Relay at 7-1-1, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Ball has prioritized multi-modal transportation in his first year in office, providing $2.2 million in funding for 48-miles of bike and pedestrian paths, supporting the BikeHoward and WalkHoward Plans, and expansion of RTA routes and service hours. Funding priorities can range from highway improvement projects and mass transit to bikeways and pedestrian improvements. 

For questions or more information about the FY2021-2026 Priority Letter, contact David Cookson at 410-313-4312 or email [email protected]

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