BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, MARCH 27, 2025
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY 2310 BROENING HIGHWAY 2 ND FLOOR TRAINING ROOM BALTIMORE, MD 21224
IN-PERSON AND LIVESTREAM
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING 2310 Broening Highway * 2 nd Floor Training Room * Baltimore, MD 21224
MARCH 27, 2025 9:00 AM
This meeting will be livestreamed on the MDTA Board Meeting Page
NOTES: •
This is an In-Person Open Meeting being conducted via livestreaming. • The public is welcome to watch the meeting at the link above. • If you wish to comment on an agenda item, please email your name, affiliation, and the agenda item to nhenson@mdta.state.md.us no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 25. You MUST pre-register and attend the meeting in person to comment. Once pre-registered, all pertinent information will be emailed to you.
AGENDA
OPEN SESSION – 9:00 AM
Call Meeting to Order
1. Approval – Open Session Meeting Minutes of February 27, 2025 Chairman
5 min.
2. Resolutions – Years of Service Recognition – Recognition for Two Bruce Gartner
10 min.
Retired Employees
3. Approval – Board Committee Assignments – Adding New Board Bruce Gartner
5 min.
Member to Board Committee Assignments
4. Approval – Contract Awards
Jeffrey Davis
5 min.
• SV00211187 – Communications and Related Services
5. Approval – Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Amendment – Approval of a Jeffrey Brown
5 min.
Budget Amendment to the Operating Budget
6. Update – Fiscal Year 2025 Department of Legislative Services
Deb Sharpless Jeffrey Brown
10 min.
Budget Analysis
7. Update – Major Projects – Quarterly Update on Major Projects
James Harkness
15 min.
8. Update – Information Technology Major Projects – Quarterly
David Goldsborough 10 min.
Update on Information Technology Major Projects
9. Update – Civil Rights Fair Practice’s Socioeconomic Programs –
Percy Dangerfield Khadriah Ward
10 min.
Quarterly Update on Socioeconomic Programs
10. Update – Legislative Session – Verbal
Bradley Ryon
10 min.
11. Update – Audit Committee Update – Verbal
Member Ardinger
5 min.
12. Update – Executive Director’s Report – Verbal
Bruce Gartner
10 min.
Vote to Adjourn Meeting
TAB 1
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY BOARD MEETING
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2025 9:00 A.M.
2310 BROENING HIGHWAY BALTIMORE, MD 21224
IN-PERSON & LIVESTREAMED OPEN MEETING
OPEN SESSION
Paul J. Wiedefeld, Chairman
MEMBERS ATTENDING:
Dontae Carroll William H. Cox, Jr. Mario J. Gangemi Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger
Jeffrey S. Rosen – Via Telephone Samuel D. Snead – Via Telephone John F. von Paris
STAFF ATTENDING:
Lt. Col. Ronce Alford Jeffrey Brown
Carl Chamberlin Percy Dangerfield
Jeffrey Davis Allen Garman Bruce Gartner
James Harkness Natalie Henson Kimberly Millender, Esq. M ary O’Keeffe Bradley Ryon Col. Joseph Scott
Deb Sharpless Jennifer Stump Bradley Tanner Paul Trentalance John Wedemeyer
OPEN SESSION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 PAGE 2 OF 7
At 9:00 a.m. Chairman Paul J. Wiedefeld called the meeting of the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Board to order. The meeting was held in-person at MDTA Headquarters, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore MD 21224 and was livestreamed on the MDTA Board Meeting web page.
APPROVAL – OPEN SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 30, 2025
Upon motion by Member William H. Cox, Jr. and seconded by Member Mario J. Gangemi, the open session meeting minutes of the MDTA Board meeting held on January 30, 2025 were unanimously approved.
APPROVAL – CLOSED SESSION MEETING MINUTES OF JANUARY 30, 2025
Upon motion by Member Mario J. Gangemi and seconded by Member Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger, the closed session meeting minutes of the MDTA Board meeting held on January 30, 2025 were unanimously approved.
APPROVAL – CONTRACT AWARD
** Member John F. von Paris recused himself prior to this contract being presented. **
• MDTA 2023-02 – Comprehensive Project Planning and Miscellaneous Consulting Services
Mr. Jeffrey Davis requested approval from the MDTA Board to execute Contract No. MDTA 2023-02 – Comprehensive Project Planning and Miscellaneous Consulting Services with the following three proposers in the following three amounts for a total of $20,500,000.00.
Contract # AE-3136 AE-3137 AE-3138
Proposer
Amount
Rummel, Klepper & Kahl, LLP (RK&K) Jacobs Engineering Group, Inc. (Jacobs)
$9,000,000.00 $6,500,000.00 $5,000,000.00
Wallace Montgomery/WSP USA, Inc. (WM/WSP)
Mr. Davis explained that the services to be performed under this contract will include project planning, environmental services, design services, miscellaneous consulting services including revenue and expense forecasting, toll analyses and studies pertaining to operating toll systems as directed by MDTA. MDTA advertised with the intent to award contracts to the three highest technically ranked firms in the amounts $9 Million, $6.5 Million and $5 Million, for a total of $20.5 Million for a five (5) year period.
Mr. Davis also explained that we anticipate presenting this Contract at the March 19, 2025 BPW meeting.
Upon motion by Member Mario J. Gangemi and seconded by Member Dontae Carroll, the Members unanimously gave approval of Contract No. MDTA 2023-02 – Comprehensive Project Planning and Miscellaneous Consulting Services.
** Member John F. von Paris returned to the room for the remainder of the meeting after the vote was complete. **
OPEN SESSION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 PAGE 3 OF 7
• MT-00211372 – On-Call Plumbing Services – Southern Region
Mr. Jeffrey Davis requested approval from the MDTA Board to execute Contract No. MT-00211372 – On- Call Plumbing Services – Southern Region with Langenfelder in the amount of $529,800.00.
Mr. Davis explained that the purpose of the project is to retain the services of a qualified Contractor to provide on-call repairs and preventative maintenance tasks on plumbing equipment and systems. The Provider shall furnish all labor, materials, supplies, equipment, supervision, services and related incidentals for these services. The MDTA received four (4) bids.
Mr. Davis also explained that we anticipate presenting this Contract at the March 19, 2025 BPW meeting.
Upon motion by Member William H. Cox, Jr. and seconded by Member John F. von Paris, the Members unanimously gave approval of Contract No. MT-00211372 – On-Call Plumbing Services – Southern Region.
• MT-00211314 – HVAC and ATC Maintenance and Repairs for Northern MDTA Facilities
Mr. Jeffrey Davis requested approval from the MDTA Board to execute Contract No. MT-00211314 – HVAC and ATC Maintenance and Repairs for Northern MDTA Facilities with Denver Elek in the amount of $2,155,660.60. Mr. Davis explained that the purpose of the project is to retain the services of a qualified Contractor to provide HVAC, ATC, and Monthly Water Treatment Services for JFK and TJH Facilities (Northern Region). The Provider shall furnish all labor, materials, supplies, equipment, supervision, services and related incidentals for these services. MDTA received five (5) bids and one (1) bid was rejected for being nonresponsive.
Mr. Davis also explained that we anticipate presenting this Contract at the April 23, 2025 BPW meeting.
Upon motion by Member Mario J. Gangemi and seconded by Member William H. Cox, Jr., the Members unanimously gave approval of Contract No. MT-00211314 – HVAC and ATC Maintenance and Repairs for Northern MDTA Facilities.
•
J01PB5600016 – VMware Licenses
Mr. Jeffrey Davis requested approval from the MDTA Board to execute Contract No. J01PB5600016 – VMware Licenses with Applied Technology Services, Inc. in the amount of $741,912.00.
Mr. Davis explained that this contract is for the provision of VMware Licenses. VMware is a suite of virtualization products that MDTA uses in its Data Centers, allowing us to run multiple virtual servers on a single physical server. The physical components of the server are better managed by VMware which allows us to operate our Data Centers more efficiently and experience much smaller maintenance windows.
Mr. Davis also explained that we anticipate presenting this Contract at the April 23, 2025 BPW meeting.
Upon motion by Member Dontae Carroll and seconded by Member Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger, the Members unanimously gave approval of Contract No. J01PB5600016 – VMware Licenses.
OPEN SESSION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 PAGE 4 OF 7
UPDATE – PROCURMENT REPORT ON OPEN CONTRACTS
Mr. Jeffrey Davis presented the MDTA Board with a report on how many contracts are currently open with the MDTA, excluding state credit card purchases. There are currently 199 contracts totaling $2,330,689,899.53.
APPROVAL – FORMER 1325 G STREET ASSOCIATES LLLP-MC#24-7051
Mr. John Wedemeyer requested MDTA Board approval to place restrictive covenants on a conservation area to remain substantially in its natural condition forever.
Mr. Wedemeyer explained a Covenant area for Wetland 6j containing 7.464 acres, plus or minus, was acquired by MDTA as part of the MD200 Intercounty Connector project.
Mr. Wedemeyer further explained that as compensatory mitigation under Federal and State law for Department of the Army Permit No. CENAB-OP-RMS (MD SHA & MTA/INTERCOUNTY CONNECTOR 05- 6011- 1 (“Permit”) issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District (“Corps” or “Baltimore District,” to include any successor agency), and certification(s) and/or permit(s) issued by the Maryland Department of the Environment (“MDE,” to include any successor agency), and in recognition of the continuing benefit to the permitted property, and for the protection of waters of the United States and scenic, resource, environmental, and general property values, Declarant has agreed to execute and record this Declaration of Restrictive Covenants (“Declaration”) placing cer tain restrictive covenants on a Conservation Area within the Property, in order that the Conservation Area shall remain substantially in its natural condition forever. Upon motion by Member William H. Cox, Jr. and seconded by Member Mario J. Gangemi, placing restrictive covenants on a conservation area to remain substantially in its natural condition forever was unanimously approved.
UPDATE – ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) REPORT
Ms. Deb Sharpless presented MDTA’s inaugural Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report to the MDTA Board.
Ms. Sharpless explained that t he MDTA’s ESG Report will serve as an annual disclosure to provide internal and external stakeholders a holistic, enterprise- wide understanding of the agency’s societal and environmental impacts, risks, and opportunities. As financial markets and credit rating agencies are increasing the use of ESG criteria to assess the value and creditworthiness of public agencies, the ESG Report is a critical disclosure to provide a clear and organized picture of social and environmental performance. The report structure and content are tailored to a multi-stakeholder audience and address key focus areas of credit rating agencies. The ESG Report complements the MDTA’s legacy of strong financial health and good governance. Prepared over the course of 2024, the inaugural ESG Report summarizes the agency’s practices and performance across departments.
APPROVAL – QUARTERLY REVIEW OF INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND BENCHMARKS
Mr. Allen Garman requested MDTA Board approval to continue with the current investment strategies and benchmarks for all accounts.
OPEN SESSION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 PAGE 5 OF 7
Mr. Garman explained that the chosen strategies and benchmark indices represent a reasonable and prudent compromise between long-term, multiyear return/income focus and tolerance for return volatility. Also, no changes in strategy or benchmarks are recommended. Mr. Garman further explained that investments conformed to Investment Policy limitations for the trailing twelve-month period ended December 31, 2024. Portfolio structuring by account adhered to board approved strategy and should remain consistent, despite short-term return volatility associated with the interest rate environment. Duration Targeted reserves maintain consistent structures and management does not attempt to time market rate changes. The longer duration strategies employed in certain reserves generate higher return volatility with expected higher average annual returns over multiyear periods.
Upon motion by Member John F. von Paris and seconded by Member Dontae Carroll, continuation of the current investment strategies and benchmarks for all accounts was unanimously approved.
UPDATE – 1 ST QUARTER OPERATING BUDGET COMPARISON
Mr. Jeffrey Brown updated the MDTA Board on actual versus projected year-to-date spending for the second quarter of Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operating Budget. As of December 31, 2024, 37% of the budget was spent compared to a target of 49%. Except for personnel expenses, all Object Codes were below budget.
UPDATE – 1 ST QUARTER CAPITAL BUDGET COMPARISON
Ms. Jennifer Stump updated the MDTA Board on the status of actual Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 capital spending relative to the FY 2025 capital budget in the FY 2025-2030 Draft Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP). As of December 31, 2024, 22.7% of the FY 2025 budget was spent as compared to the targeted spending level of 50%. The total budget for FY 2025 is $809.8 million. The actual spending through the second quarter was $183.4 million. Ms. Stump further explained that twenty-seven of the 91 projects budgeted in FY 2025 were within the acceptable spending limits of 25% to 75% (plus or minus 25% of the 50% target). Due to normal lags in invoicing, generally two months, a plus or minus 25% threshold was determined to be reasonable. Actual spending through the second quarter for ten projects with the highest FY 2025 budgets was $126.5 million.
UPDATE – QUARTERLY UPDATE ON TRAFFIC AND REVENUE
Ms. Deborah Sharpless gave a quarterly and year-to-date update to the MDTA Board regarding traffic and toll revenue trends compared to the previous year and the forecast.
Ms. Sharpless explained that this quarterly review looks at traffic and toll revenue trends and compares actual system-wide experience with traffic and toll revenue forecasts. CDM Smith tracks and evaluates the performance of traffic at the lane level and traffic and revenue collected on a cash basis
She further explained that actual collected revenue was below forecast by $2.2 million for the period ending December 31, 2024 and that during December 2024, $3.3 million of transaction processing was delayed.
OPEN SESSION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 PAGE 6 OF 7
UPDATE – LEGISLATIVE REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE LEGISLATURE
• Maryland Transportation Facilities – Buffered Bicycle/Pedestrian Lanes
Mr. Carl Chamberlin provided a summary of the Joint Chairmen’s Report (JCR) regarding Maryland Transportation Facilities – Buffered Bicycle/Pedestrian Lanes.
Mr. Chamberlin explained that in accordance with the requirements specified in in the Maryland General Assembly 2024 Joint Chairmen's Report (JCR), the MDTA collaborated with the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and relevant local jurisdictions to identify appropriate locations for bicycle ways and pedestrian walkways that cross MDTA highways, run parallel to MDTA highways and bridges, or otherwise involve MDTA facilities. To complete this analysis and evaluation, publicly available GIS data was obtained from counties, Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), SHA, and Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) in the vicinity of all MDTA facilities to document existing and planned bicycle and pedestrian facilities on State and County roads, rail stations, and bus stops. The most recently completed Statewide master plan, county master plans, and MPO long-range plan documents were then reviewed to determine if any MDTA facilities were located in close proximity to any documented existing or planned/proposed bicycle and pedestrian facilities. To assist with the study, coordination meetings were held with identified stakeholders from each jurisdiction, including representatives from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), SHA, MTA, MPOs, and counties. Mr. Chamberlin further explained that the results of this study are included in the report. It is important to note that the improvements identified in this report are improvements identified in the master plans of jurisdictions that surround MDTA facilities, and as such, are not necessarily projects being programmed and funded by MDTA. MDTA commits to work with local stakeholders, as we currently do on all reconstruction projects, to accommodate these identified needs on our facilities as the needs of the facility dictate.
UPDATE – LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Mr. Bradley Ryon gave an update to the MDTA Board regarding the bills that have been filed that will have an impact to the MDTA and the number of legislative casework/inquiries that his office has received thus far.
UPDATE – AUDIT COMMITTEE
Member Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger presented an update on the Audit Committee meeting that took place on February 4, 2025.
Member Penny-Ardinger explained the Committee was informed that the novation agreement with Citrin Cooperman who acquired the previous audit services consultant was completed January 28, 2025. Citrin Cooperman management met with the MDTA Audit Director on February 3, 2025, to discuss completing work in progress by the previous firm that was suspended pending completion of the novation agreement. Citrin Cooperman management stated they would utilize the work already invoiced by the previous firm.
OPEN SESSION FEBRUARY 27, 2025 PAGE 7 OF 7
UPDATE - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Mr. Bruce Gartner updated the MDTA Board on the following: February 4 Unveiling of the New Design Concept for the Key Bridge Rebuild; MDTA’s plan to engage public input on non -structural elements of the bridge; February 3 Legislative Black Caucus/Kiewit Networking Event; February 10 Civil Rights Fair Practices Virtual Outreach Event; February 12 MDTA Police Class 59 Graduation; February 21 Fort McHenry Tunnel Tour for High School Students as part of National Engineer’s Week; and the upcoming March 25 “Doi ng Business with the MDTA” quarterly event.
Lastly, Mr. Gartner acknowledged Natalie Henson’s well deserved promotion to Executive Officer. Ms. Henson will remain in the Executive Office and will continue with her Board-related duties in her new role.
VOTE TO ADJOURN MEETING
There being no further business, upon motion by Member William H. Cox, Jr. and seconded by Member Mario J. Gangemi, the Members unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 10:07 a.m.
The next MDTA Board Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 27, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at MDTA Headquarters, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore MD 21224 and will be livestreamed on the MDTA Board webpage.
APPROVED AND CONCURRED IN
_________________________________________ Paul J. Wiedefeld, Chairman
TAB 2
Donna M. DiCerbo MDOT MDTA DOT Procurement Manager IV
WHEREAS, Donna DiCerbo began her State of Maryland career with the Maryland Department of Health (DHMH) as a DHMH Office Secretary II in March 2017, and WHEREAS, Ms. DiCerbo continued to progress within Maryland State Government and was promoted to Department of General Services (DGS) Administrative Aide in September 1984, and to DGS Public Information Office Administrative Aide in January 1991, and WHEREAS, She continued to build on her knowledge and skills, and Ms. DiCerbo was promoted within Maryland State Government from the span of January 1991 to October 2006. This included titles of DHMH Public Relations Administrative Specialist, DGS Administrator III, Department of Human Services (DHMS)- OPASS Chief Compliance Procurement Specialist and Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) Chief Architectural/Engineering & Consultant Services, and WHEREAS, In January 2012, Ms. DiCerbo joined the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) as a Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) MDTA Procurement Administrator V, and was promoted to MDOT MDTA DOT Executive V in December 2012, and to MDOT MDTA DOT Procurement Manager IV in July 2019, a position held until retirement, and WHEREAS, She is an invaluable member of the team, and her coworkers expressed the fact that her dedication and expertise will be sorely missed, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, On the occasion of Donna M. DiCerbo’s retirement from her distinguished career of exemplary service, the Chairman and Members of the Maryland Transportation Authority Board hereby express to Ms. DiCerbo their most sincere appreciation for her excellence and commitment, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution be entered into the minutes of the MDTA Board meeting of March 27, 2025, and a copy, appropriately framed, be presented to Ms. DiCerbo as an expression of the MDTA Board’s appreciation and esteem.
Vicentia (Tia) Rattini MDOT MDTA Program Manager Senior I
WHEREAS, Vicentia Rattini began her career with the State of Maryland as a Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Administrator III in December 2017, and WHEREAS, Ms. Rattini continued to progress within Maryland State Government, and became an MDOT Minority Business Enterprise Administrator I in March 2020, and WHEREAS, In April 2012, Ms. Rattini joined the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) as an MDOT MDTA Program Manager Senior I, a title held until retirement, and WHEREAS, She is an invaluable member of the team, and her coworkers expressed the fact that her dedication and expertise will be sorely missed, now THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, On the occasion of Vicentia Rattini’s retirement from her distinguished career of exemplary service, the Chairman and Members of the Maryland Transportation Authority Board hereby express to Ms. Rattini their most sincere appreciation for her excellence and commitment, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution be entered into the minutes of the MDTA Board meeting of March 27, 2025, and a copy, appropriately framed, be presented to Ms. Rattini as an expression of the MDTA Board’s appreciation and esteem.
TAB 3
MEMORANDUM
TO:
MDTA Board
FROM:
Executive Director Bruce Gartner Member Committee Assignments
SUBJECT:
DATE:
March 27, 2025
PURPOSE To seek approval of the proposed Member committee assignments. SUMMARY
With Member Maricela Cordova officially becoming a member of the MDTA Board, staff has developed proposed committee assignments to reflect the new membership. Below you will find the current configuration of the assignments and attached is the proposed new committee assignments. CURRENT CONFIGURATION Capital Committee Finance & Administration Committee Mario J. Gangemi (Chair) John F. von Paris (Chair) William H. Cox, Jr. Dontae Carroll W. Lee Gaines, Jr. Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger Samuel D. Snead Jeffrey S. Rosen Audit Committee Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger, Esq. (Chair)
William H. Cox, Jr. Mario J. Gangemi
John F. von Paris Liaison Position William H. Cox, Jr. - Canton Railroad
ATTACHMENT • Proposed New Committee Assignments
2310 Broening Highway • Baltimore, MD 21224 • mdta@mdta.maryland.gov • 410.537.1000 • 711 (MD Relay) • mdta.maryland.gov • DriveEzMD.com
MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY MEMBER COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS & LIAISON POSITIONS As of March 27, 2025
Capital Committee Mario J. Gangemi (Chair) William H. Cox, Jr.
Finance & Administration Committee
John F. von Paris (Chair)
Dontae Carroll
Maricela Cordova Samuel D. Snead
Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger
Jeffrey S. Rosen
Audit Committee Cynthia D. Penny-Ardinger, Esq. (Chair)
William H. Cox, Jr. Mario J. Gangemi John F. von Paris
Liaison Positions William H. Cox, Jr. - Canton Railroad
TAB 4
MEMORANDUM
TO:
MDTA Board
FROM: SUBJECT:
Director of Procurement, Jeffrey Davis, NIGP-CPP, CMPO SV-00211187, Communications and Related Services
DATE:
March 27, 2025
PURPOSE To seek approval from the MDTA Board to execute Contract No. SV-00211187, Communications and Related services for the MDTA. SUMMARY The purpose of the contract is to retain the services of a qualified Contractor to provide communications and related services for the MDTA Office of Communications & Marketing. These services will aid the MDTA in public education, promoting public safety on MDTA roadways, and in providing exceptional and equitable customer service to all MDTA’s customers and communities. Further examples of projects supported by this contract include; implementing Bay Bridge Travel Campaigns, the Go Orange Day and Nation Safety Awareness campaigns, and MDTA Police recruitment campaigns. MDTA advertised with the intent to award a single work-order based contract to the highest over-all ranked firm (considering both Technical and Financial proposals) with a not-to-exceed amount up to $8.25 million for a five (5) year period (including a three (3) year base and single two (2) year renewal option). Financial Proposals were prepared using an estimated number of hours per labor classification for the life of the contract. The proposers provided fixed-firm “Fully Loaded” hourly rates for each of these labor classifications in their proposal. Therefore, the total hypothetical cost of the contract in the financial proposal was used for evaluation and ranking purposes only. We anticipate presenting this Contract at the May 21, 2025 BPW meeting. RECOMMENDATION To provide approval to execute Contract No. SV-00211187, Communications and Related services. ATTACHMENT • Project Summary
2310 Broening Highway • Baltimore, MD 21224 • mdta@mdta.maryland.gov • 410.537.1000 • 711 (MD Relay) • mdta.maryland.gov • DriveEzMD.com
AUTHORITY BOARD PROJECT SUMMARY Contract No. SV-00211187, Communications & Related Services
PIN NUMBER
N/A
CONTRACT NUMBER CONTRACT TITLE
SV-00211187
Communications & Related Services
PROJECT SUMMARY
The purpose of the contract is to retain the services of a qualified Contractor to provide communications and related services for the MDTA Office of Communications & Marketing. These services will aid the MDTA in public education, promoting public safety on MDTA roadways and in providing exceptional and equitable customer service to all MDTA’s customers and communities.
MBE PARTICIPATION
ADVERTISED GOAL (%)
PROPOSED GOAL (%)
MBE PARTICIPATION - OVERALL
SCHEDULE
ADVERTISEMENT DATE ANTICIPATED NTP DATE
OVERALL MBE
6/28/2024 6/1/2025
24.00% 24.00%
VSBE
1.00%
1.00%
DURATION/TERM
Three (3) Years with one 2-Year Renewal Option
INCUMBENT
YES
NO
BID PROTEST
YES
NO
Check
Check
Check
Check
FINAL EVALUATED PRICE
OFFEROR
FINANCIAL RANK TECHNICAL RANK OVERALL RANK
McAndrew
$ $ $
1,759,200.00 2,074,296.00 2,593,950.00
1 2 3
1 2 3
1 2 3
Integrated Designs
Pulsar
Contract Amount $8,250,000.00
TAB 5
MEMORANDUM
TO:
MDTA Board
FROM: SUBJECT:
Director of Budget, Jeffrey Brown
Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget - Amendment #2
DATE:
March 27, 2025
PURPOSE OF MEMORANDUM The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) requests approval of an amendment to increase the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Operating Budget by $7.3 million to account for the accelerated purchase of police vehicles in current fiscal year that were originally planned for FY 2026. According to Section 6.17 of the Trust Agreement, the budget may be amended at any time during the current fiscal year. The budget amendment was also presented during the March 13 Finance and Administration Committee meeting. The Committee agreed to move the item forward to the full Board with recommendation for approval. SUMMARY As a result of collective bargaining, 90 police vehicles must be purchased and distributed by July 1, 2025. The FY 2025 Amended Operating Budget totals $441.4 million. This represents an increase of $7.3 million, or 1.7%, above the previous FY 2025 budget. The previous FY 2025 budget anticipated vehicle distribution after July 1, 2025. Consequently, the funds for these vehicles were budgeted in FY 2026 instead of FY 2025. The budget change represents a shift in funding between the two years, not a net increase.
2310 Broening Highway • Baltimore, MD 21224 • mdta@mdta.maryland.gov • 410.537.1000 • 711 (MD Relay) • mdta.maryland.gov • DriveEzMD.com
Fiscal Year 2025 Operating Budget – Amendment #2 Page Two
The funding by RC is provided in the table below:
RC
SubObject # Cars
Description
FY25 Bud FY25 Am2 Difference O/(U) 9,077,990 11,754,663 2,676,673 96,000 3,583,773 3,487,773 96,000 1,231,554 1,135,554 9,269,990 16,569,990 7,300,000
9550 - Traffic Mgmt 0701
33 Purchase Vehicle - Car, Light Truck 43 Purchase Vehicle - Car, Light Truck 14 Purchase Vehicle - Car, Light Truck
9180- MAA 9181 - MPA
0701 0701
Total Change
All Oither
All Other
All Other Expenses
424,792,657 424,792,657
0
Total Budget
434,062,647 441,362,647 7,300,000
RECOMMENDATION Request MDTA Board approval for the amended FY 2025 budget.
TAB 6
MEMORANDUM
TO:
MDTA Board
FROM:
Chief Financial Officer Deborah Sharpless Deputy Director of Finance Allen Garman Budget Director Jeffrey Brown
SUBJECT:
Department of Legislative Services Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Analysis
DATE:
March 27, 2025
PURPOSE OF MEMORANDUM To provide an overview of the budget issues and recommendations presented by the Department of Legislative Services (DLS) during the Maryland Transportation Authority’s (MDTA) Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 legislative budget hearing. The Budget Analysis agenda item was also presented during the March 13 Finance and Administration Committee meeting. SUMMARY The DLS budget analysis is a comprehensive document that examines multiple facets of the MDTA’s operations, including changes in proposed funding and personnel. The budget analysis document typically examines an agency’s goals and mission, raises public policy issues, includes recommended budget actions, and provides appendices that summarize fiscal activity for the prior, current, and upcoming fiscal years. ATTACHMENTS • DLS FY 2026 Budget Analysis • MDTA FY 2026 Budget Analysis Responses
2310 Broening Highway • Baltimore, MD 21224 • mdta@mdta.maryland.gov • 410.537.1000 • 711 (MD Relay) • mdta.maryland.gov • DriveEzMD.com
J00J00 Maryland Transportation Authority
Executive Summary
The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has exclusive authority relating to the supervision, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of Maryland’s toll facilities, as well as for financing new revenue-producing projects authorized under law.
Operating Budget Summary
Fiscal 2026 Budget Increases $16.5 Million, or 2.9%, to $595.0 Million ($ in Millions)
$700
$600
$500
$400
$300
$200
$100
$0
2024
2025 Working
2026 Allowance
Nonbudgeted
For further information contact: Samuel M. Quist
Samuel.quist@mlis.state.md.us
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 1
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
PAYGO Capital Budget Summary
Fiscal 2026 Budget Increases $293.3 Million, or 38.3%, to $1.06 Billion ($ in Millions)
$1,200
$1,000
$800
$600
$400
$200
$0
2024
2025 Working
2026 Allowance
Nonbudgeted
Key Observations
Financial Forecast: The January 2025 financial forecast for MDTA projects fiscal challenges on the horizon and anticipates that projected increases in debt outstanding occurring between fiscal 2026 and 2030 will result in the need for action, such as implementing a toll increase to maintain debt service coverage ratio by fiscal 2028, one year earlier than was projected in the January 2024 financial forecast. Compared to the prior forecast, the current forecast has significant forecasted increases in capital expenditures related to the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
Francis Scott Key Bridge Rebuild: Compared to the fiscal 2025 working appropriation, the fiscal 2026 programmed pay-as-you-go (PAYGO) ($1.1 billion) capital spending increases by 38.3%, and is more than double fiscal 2024 actual spending, primarily due to costs associated with the rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The total estimated cost to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which has been added to the Maryland
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 2
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Department of Transportation (MDOT) fiscal 2025 to 2030 Consolidated Transportation Program (CTP), is estimated at over $1.7 billion. A progressive design-build contract was awarded in August 2024, and primary construction is expected to begin in spring 2025. The new bridge is projected to be complete and open to the public in fall 2028.
Operating Budget Recommended Actions
1.
Nonbudgeted.
PAYGO Budget Recommended Actions
1.
Nonbudgeted.
Updates
Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process Status: In November 2024, a Notice of Intent (NOI) to prepare the Tier 2 Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was published in the Federal Register to formally initiate the environmental review process. MDTA held three public open houses in December 2024 to presen t information and solicit feedback on MDTA’s proposed actions related to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and seven proposed alternatives for a new Chesapeake Bay bridge. MDTA is expected to identify its recommended preferred alternative in July 2025 and publish a draft EIS in November 2025. The Tier 2 study is anticipated to conclude with the approval of a final EIS and Record of Decision (ROD) in November 2026. First Phase of I-95 Express Toll Lanes Northbound Expansion Project Opens: In December 2024, the first phase of the northbound extension of the I-95 Express Toll Lanes opened to the public. The second and final phase of the extension project is expected to open in calendar 2027. In total, the project will extend the existing Express Toll Lanes along I-95 by 10 miles.
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 3
J00J00 Maryland Transportation Authority
Budget Analysis
Program Description
MDTA has exclusive authority relating to the supervision, financing, construction, operation, maintenance, and repair of Maryland’s toll facilities , as well as for financing new revenue producing transportation projects authorized under law. MDTA may act on behalf of, but is separate from, MDOT and is self-financed through toll revenues and other revenues related to the operation and maintenance of toll facilities. MDTA operates nine toll facilities across the State and also has jurisdiction over portions of I-95 and I-395 in Baltimore City. MDTA divides its facilities into three regions:
Northern Region: includes the Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40); the John F. Kennedy Memorial Highway (I-95); and the Express Toll Lanes on I-95;
Central Region: includes the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895); the Fort McHenry Tunnel (I-95); and the Francis Scott Key Bridge (I-695); and
Southern Region: includes the Governor Harry W. Nice/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge (Nice/Middleton Bridge) (US 301); the William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge (Bay Bridge) (US 50/301); and the Intercounty Connector (MD 200).
Membership of the MDTA Board is comprised of eight members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Secretary of Transportation serves as the chair of the MDTA B oard. MDTA’s revenues are held separately from the Transportation Trust Fund, and the agency operates as a nonbudgeted agency. MDTA’s police force is responsible for security and law enforcement services at all of MDTA’s toll facilities except the northern region of I-95, which is patrolled by the Maryland State Police (MSP). MDTA is also under contract with the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA) to provide law enforcement services at the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI Marshall Airport) and with the Maryland Port Administration (MPA) to provide law enforcement services at MPA-owned facilities at the Port of Baltimore. MDTA’s mission is talented people ensuring Maryland’s iconic bridges, tunnels, and roadways are the customer’s trusted and preferred choic e for safe mobility, connection, and E-ZPass passage today and tomorrow.
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 4
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Performance Analysis: Managing for Results
1.
E-ZPass Usage
E-ZPass toll transactions reduce costs and expedite the toll collection process, reduce delays at toll plazas, reduce vehicle idling time thereby reducing emissions, and allow for the efficient movement of goods and people. E-ZPass toll collection is available at toll facilities in 20 states, including all Maryland toll facilities, most of the northeastern states, and parts of the Midwest and southeast U.S. Exhibit 1 shows the percentage of tolls collected with E-ZPass and non-E-ZPass transactions (video tolls and pay-by-plate) at all MDTA facilities by fiscal year. Beginning in March 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, MDTA began the implementation of systemwide all electronic tolling. In fiscal 2024, MDTA collected 88% of all tolls with E-ZPass, an increase from 86% in fiscal 2023. The remaining 12% of tolls collected by MDTA were collected through either video tolls or pay-by-plate transactions. After decreasing from 91% in fiscal 2020 to 81% in fiscal 2021, due to impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting backlog of toll processing, E-ZPass usage has remained between 86% to 88% over the past three fiscal years. E-ZPass collection rates are estimated to remain within these ranges in fiscal 2025 and 2026, suggesting that most motorists who have interest in participating in the program have already enrolled.
Exhibit 1 Tolls Collected Using E-ZPass versus Video Tolls/Pay-by-plate Fiscal 2020-2024
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
9.0%
12.0%
19.0% 14.0% 14.0%
91.0%
88.0%
81.0% 86.0% 86.0%
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
E-ZPass
Video Tolls/Pay-by-plate
Source: Department of Budget and Management; Maryland Transportation Authority
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 5
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Proposed Budget Change
As shown in Exhibit 2 , the proposed fiscal 2026 budget increases by $16.5 million. Personnel costs increase by $7.5 million, primarily due to salary increases mirroring statewide salary actions. Operational expenses increase by $9.0 million, primarily due to cost increases for contractual services, E-ZPass service center operations, and other services, along with new and replacement motor vehicle purchases. Fixed charges, including bond payments, interest, insurance payments, and other miscellaneous charges increase by $1.7 million in fiscal 2026.
Exhibit 2 Proposed Budget Maryland Transportation Authority ($ in Thousands)
How Much It Grows:
Nonbudgeted Fund
Total
Fiscal 2024 Actual
$597,075
$597,075
Fiscal 2025 Working Appropriation
578,513
578,513
Fiscal 2026 Allowance
595,026
595,026
Fiscal 2025-2026 Amount Change
$16,512
$16,512
Fiscal 2025-2026 Percent Change
2.9%
2.9%
Where It Goes:
Change
Personnel Expenses Salary increases to mirror statewide actions...................................................... Other Changes New and replacement motor vehicles................................................................ Bond payments and interest............................................................................... Contractual engineering costs............................................................................ Contractual IT services costs ............................................................................. E-ZPass service center cost increases due to transaction volumes.................... Equipment purchases including heavy duty vehicles and police equipment ..... Other fixed charges ............................................................................................ Miscellaneous supplies and materials purchases based on need ....................... Utility cost increases for electricity ................................................................... Communications expenses due to additional filled positions............................ Cost allocations.................................................................................................. Travel expenses due to increased virtual meetings............................................ Insurance coverage premiums paid to State Treasurer ......................................
$7,477
3,460 1,269 1,700 1,700 1,000
688 504 354 319
47 39
-55
-100
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 6
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Where It Goes:
Change
Contractual personnel expenses due to reduced reliance on contractual personnel ......................................................................................................... Other contracts for operations ........................................................................... Reduced IT equipment purchases based on need due to prior year purchases.......
-385 -499
-1,006
Total
$16,512
IT: information technology
Note: Numbers may not sum to total due to rounding.
Financial Forecast
Section 4-313 of the Transportation Article establishes the Transportation Authority Fund, a nonlapsing fund into which all MDTA revenues flow, except to the extent that revenues are pledged under a trust agreement. MDTA revenues come primarily from tolls, as well as from concessions income from travel plazas that it owns along I-95, investment income, and payments from MDOT. MDOT payments comprise reimbursement for police services provided at BWI Marshall Airport and the Port of Baltimore. To support its capital program, MDTA may issue toll revenue bonds with a maturity of up to 40 years. Typically, MDTA issues its toll revenue bonds with a 30-to-33-year maturity. The terms of MDTA’s trust agreement with its bondholders are the driving force in MDTA finances. Maintaining its debt service coverage and liquidity ratios is the primary concern, and all revenue adjustments and operating and capital expenditures are managed to maintain these ratios. To this end, MDTA develops and maintains a six-year financial forecast. Section 4-210 of the Transportation Article requires MDTA to provide the General Assembly with a copy of its financial forecast by September 1 of each year and in conjunction with submission of the Governor’s budget in January. Appendix 2 provides the detail of MDTA’s fiscal 2024 through 2030 financial forecast.
Fiscal 2026 Sources and Uses of Funding
Exhibit 3 shows the various sources of MDTA revenues in fiscal 2026. The primary source of MDTA funding is toll revenues, which are projected to total $757.5 million, or 54% of total fiscal 2026 revenues. The second-largest source of revenues in fiscal 2026 is bond proceeds to support the capital program, which total $570.9 million based on projected issuances of MDTA toll revenue bonds. Fiscal 2026 is projected to have the first new bond issuances since fiscal 2023. Intergovernmental revenue totals $41.6 million and includes funding reimbursements for MDTA police services provided at the Port of Baltimore and BWI Marshall Airport, and loan repayments and interest from loans issued to MDOT – MAA.
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 7
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Exhibit 3 Maryland Transportation Authority Revenue Sources Fiscal 2026 ($ in Millions)
Intergovernmental Revenues $42.6 3%
Bond Proceeds $570.9 41%
Investment Income $16.6 1%
Other $25.1 2%
Other $4.0 0%
Toll Revenues $757.5 54%
Concessions $4.5 1%
Source: Governor’s Fiscal 2026 Budget Books; Maryland Transportation Authority
As shown in Exhibit 4 , the capital program accounts for 64% of anticipated spending in fiscal 2026, increasing to nearly $1.1 billion. Operating costs, including administrative and personnel costs, total $450.5 million and account for 27% of spending. Within operating costs, law enforcement personnel, including MDTA police and reimbursements for MSP that patrol at the I-95 facility, total $136 million, or 8% of total spending. Fiscal 2026 debt service costs total $144.5 million, or 9% of total spending.
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 8
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Exhibit 4 Maryland Transportation Authority Uses of Funding Fiscal 2026 ($ in Millions)
Debt Service $144.5 9%
Capital Program $1,058.9 64%
Law Enforcement Personnel $136.0 8%
Other Operating $314.6 19%
Source: Governor’s Fiscal 2026 Budget Books; Maryland Transportation Authority
Revenues and Debt Affordability
Toll Revenues
Toll revenues are the primary revenue source for MDTA. As shown in Exhibit 5 , toll revenues increased slightly, by $9.3 million, or 1.1%, to $848.5 million in fiscal 2024, which was the third straight fiscal year that toll revenues exceeded $800 million following significant decreases to toll revenue in fiscal 2020 and 2021 caused by impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on traffic patterns. However, the agency estimates that toll revenues will decrease by $100.1 million (11.8%) in fiscal 2025 due in part to the closure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which impacted only a portion of fiscal 2024. Toll revenues are estimated to once again increase in fiscal 2026, by $9.1 million (1.2%), but will remain significantly below fiscal 2024 revenues. Additional discussion of the impacts of the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge can be found in Issue 2 of this analysis.
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 9
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Exhibit 5 Actual and Projected Toll Revenues Fiscal 2020-2026 Est.
$900
$800
$700
$600
$500
$400
$300
$200
$100
$0
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 Estimate
2026 Estimate
Source: Governor’s Fiscal 2026 Budget Books, Maryland Transportation Authority
` Exhibit 6 shows actual fiscal 2024 toll revenue by facility. Nearly two-thirds of all toll revenues collected by MDTA in fiscal 2024 came from the Fort McHenry Tunnel (27%), I-95 (the JFK Memorial Highway) (23%), and the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (13%). Prior to its collapse in March 2024, the Francis Scott Key Bridge accounted for 5%, or $44.8 million of toll revenues collected during fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2022 and 2023, the Francis Scott Key Bridge accounted for over $50 million in annual toll revenues. Compared to fiscal 2024 revenues, fiscal 2026 estimated revenues decline across all facilities except for increases to revenues from the Fort McHenry Tunnel and the I-95 Express Toll Lanes. Revenues from the Fort McHenry Tunnel are projected to increase by 2.8%, and revenues from the I-95 Express Toll Lanes are projected to increase by 46.2% compared to fiscal 2024 levels.
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 10
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Exhibit 6 Toll Revenues by Facility Fiscal 2024 ($ in Millions)
Bay Bridge $56.6 7%
Other Toll Fees $87.3
Francis Scott Key Bridge $44.8 5%
10% Intercounty Connector $73.4 8%
Baltimore Harbor Tunnel $107.6 13%
I-95 JFK Memorial Highway $193.1 23%
Nice/Middleton Bridge $23.1 3%
Hatem Bridge $16.4 2%
Fort McHenry Tunnel $231.5 27%
I-95 Express Toll Lanes $14.6 2%
Bay Bridge: William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge (US 50/301) Hatem Bridge: Thomas J. Hatem Memorial Bridge (US 40) Nice/Middleton Bridge: Governor Harry W. Nice/Senator Thomas “Mac” Middleton Bridge (US 301)
Source: Governor’s Fiscal 2026 Budget Books
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 11
J00J00 – Maryland Transportation Authority
Revenue Bonds
Under statute, MDTA is authorized to issue bonds without obtaining the consent of any unit or agency in the State, so long as the total bonds outstanding do not exceed a certain level at the end of any fiscal year. MDTA bonds are backed by toll revenues and are not considered State debt and, therefore, are not limited by the State’s debt affordability measures. However, MDTA does have its own debt affordability measures, which are discussed further in Issue 1 of this analysis. In response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, Chapter 2 of 2024 increased the cap on total debt outstanding from $3.0 billion to $4.0 billion at the end of any fiscal year. As shown in Exhibit 7 , due to new planned bond issuances in fiscal 2026 and subsequent fiscal years to support the growing needs of the capital program, total debt outstanding is projected to increase significantly from $2.1 billion in fiscal 2025 to $2.6 billion in fiscal 2026 before increasing to $3.3 billion in fiscal 2027 and remaining above $3.0 billion through the remainder of the forecast. Total debt outstanding peaks at just under $3.8 billion in fiscal 2029 and 2030, remaining slightly below the new statutory cap.
Exhibit 7 Bond Sales and Debt Outstanding Fiscal 2019-2030 ($ in Millions)
$800
$4,000
$700
$3,500
$600
$3,000
$500
$2,500
$400
$2,000
$300
$1,500
$200
$1,000
$100
$500
$0
$0
2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030
Bonds for Other Capital Projects Bonds/TIFIA Loan for Nice/Middleton Bridge Total Debt Outstanding
TIFIA: Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act
Source: Maryland Transportation Authority
Analysis of the FY 2026 Maryland Executive Budget, 2025 12
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