1999 Maryland Transportation Plan
      "You are Here; Transition to the 21st Century"
      Parris N. Glendening
      Governor
      John D. Porcari
      Secretary
      January 1999
      Maryland Department of Transportation,
      Office of Systems Planning and Evaluation

      The 1999 Maryland Transportation Plan was developed by MDOT staff and
      focus groups comprised of citizens and experts and appointed by the
      Secretary of Transportation. The document is prepared pursuant to
      Section 2-103.1 (d) of the Annotated Code of Maryland and 23 CFR Part
      450. Additional copies are available by calling (410) 865-1277; TTY
      (410) 865-1342; Toll Free (888) 713-1414. This document is available in
      alternative formats for the visually impaired upon request.
       
        Message from the Governor:

      For decades, Maryland's transportation planning, like that of many other
      states, was grounded in a philosophy of expansion that had little regard
      for communities, the environment or quality of life. As a result, we
      have let too many of our great and historic cities and towns collapse,
      increased air pollution and cost taxpayers hundreds of billions of
      dollars for new, and often redundant, highway or other infrastructure
      costs. For the first time, this Maryland Transportation Plan embraces a
      new philosophy designed to turn the tide of unchecked development in
      favor of a more balanced and responsible planning process that will meet
      the transportation needs of our citizens.

      Deeply integrated in this Maryland Transportation Plan are the
      principles of Smart Growth. I recognize that rather than just building
      new roads, our citizens are demanding a more environmentally sensitive,
      more multi-modal approach that ties land-use planning and transportation
      planning more closely together. We can reduce the need to use the car
      only by better aligning our transportation planning with land use. If we
      follow this path, the negative environmental impacts will be lessened
      and existing communities will be reinvigorated.

      Our goal is to implement a transportation plan that: saves our most
      valuable remaining natural resources before they are forever lost;
      supports economic growth in areas where the infrastructure is already in
      place or being planned; and saves taxpayers from the unnecessary cost of
      building infrastructure required to support far-flung sprawl
      development. This transportation plan is a road map for the Maryland of
      the future. I invite you to work with us to make this vision a tangible
      legacy our children and grandchildren will enjoy for decades to come.

      Parris N. Glendening
      Governor
       
        Message from the Secretary:

      Our transportation system is an integral piece to the complex puzzle
      that shapes the Maryland we are proud to call home. The system we enjoy
      today is a product of the vision of earlier generations that took the
      steps necessary to meet the transportation needs of our citizens. A
      vision for the future has always been key. Things are no different
      today.

      The 1999 Maryland Transportation Plan defines our transportation vision
      for the opening chapter of the 21st Century. It is the result of the
      work of citizens and elected officials from across the State, taking us
      beyond the bounds of our annual capital program. It articulates a
      commitment to service and excellence while recognizing the importance of
      our established communities and the needs and expectations of the
      various regions of the State.

      As you will see, the plan reflects a new Smart Growth philosophy as
      defined by Governor Glendening and the Maryland Legislature. Our
      transportation system must serve as a tool for the implementation of
      these Smart Growth principles. At the same time, we envision a

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