(Continued from page 15)

      capital projects advance through a longer project development process,
      and each phase can take several years to complete. In the first phases
      of project development, projects are put into the "Development and
      Evaluation" part of the CTP. Only when initial planning is complete and
      funding is identified are projects moved to the "Construction" program.
      During initial project planning the Department identifies alternatives,
      generates travel demand forecasts, completes preliminary environmental
      impact and cost studies and holds a public alternatives meeting.
      For highway projects, local elected officials must concur before a
      project can advance to final project planning. During this process, the
      Department completes preliminary engineering and detailed environmental
      analyses, prepares an environmental document, obtains preliminary permit
      approvals, holds a public hearing and selects an alternative.
      Once an alternative is selected, design engineering can begin. This
      phase includes the development of construction plans, environmental
      re-evaluation and permit applications. This phase also includes a formal
      request for State funds and/or authorization of Federal funds.
      The next phase involves the acquisition of right-of-way, including a
      relocation assistance plan for people who could be affected by the
      project. This phase is typically conducted concurrently with the design
      engineering phase.

      Finally, the Department awards the project contract and proceeds to
      construction.
       
      "Maryland's transportation system must do more than connect people to
      places. It must connect people to opportunities."
      Parris N. Glendening
      Governor

      "Transportation is both about mobility and about sustaining what is most
      important: safe, prosperous communities where we can live, work and
      raise families."
      Parris N. Glendening
      Governor

      "Transportation and economic development form a symbiotic relationship.
      Transportation connects products with consumers, workers with jobs and
      businesses with each other."
      Parris N. Glendening
      Governor

      Copies of the final Maryland Transportation Plan are available by
      calling 410-865-1277; TTY 410-865-1342; toll free 888-713-1414.
      You may also write for copies to:
      MTP, Office of Planning and Capital Programing
      Maryland Department of Transportation
      P.O.Box 8755
      BWI Airport, Maryland 21240