O'Malley Pledges Roads Funding

Governor Cites Backlog Of Jobs, Bridge Collapse

"Roads and bridges will not wait until the right political timing," O'Malley, shown in July, said Saturday. (By Mark Gail -- The Washington Post)

OCEAN CITY, Aug. 18 -- Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) on Saturday pledged to offer a "major transportation funding bill" when the legislature reconvenes, cautioning that a bridge collapse like the one in Minneapolis could happen one day in Maryland if the state does not confront a growing backlog of projects.

"We will not be the generation that allowed its infrastructure to become weak because our political will was not strong," O'Malley told a gathering of county officials. "Our roads and bridges will not wait until the right political timing, the ideal gas price or the best fiscal environment. We need action, and we need it now."

O'Malley has previously floated the idea of raising the gas tax or other levies to pay for transportation projects, but Saturday's address was the most definitive declaration of his intention to move forward. He offered no details, however, and left the gathering of the Maryland Association of Counties without taking questions from reporters. An aide said details would be released in coming months.

State transportation officials have advised O'Malley that an additional $400 million to $600 million a year in revenue will be needed to keep pace with the state's needs during the next two decades, including a proposed light-rail Metro line connecting Bethesda and New Carrollton and light-rail or bus service along part of the Interstate 270 corridor.

Maryland pays for its transportation projects out of an account that is separate from its general fund, which is facing a shortfall of nearly $1.5 billion next year. Lawmakers are talking about raising other taxes, including sales and income taxes, to help close that gap.

O'Malley acknowledged that state leaders face some unpopular choices in the coming year, including spending cuts, but said: "Our goal is not passing a popularity contest. Our goal is a stronger Maryland for the working people of Maryland."

The governor also restated his goal to protect county governments during state budget deliberations. State aid to localities for education and other programs has swelled in recent years and now accounts for about 40 percent of the state budget, making it an inviting target for lawmakers as they balance the budget.

"We're not going to solve the problem simply by passing it on to county governments to solve themselves," O'Malley said.

His remarks appeared well-received by county officials but were sharply criticized by a Republican leader attending the session.

Senate Minority Whip Allan H. Kittleman (R-Howard) accused O'Malley of misleading county leaders about their prospects in the budget process.

"I think they deserve the governor being straight with them," Kittleman said. "I think he's giving the counties false hope."

Kittleman also questioned raising revenue for transportation projects at the same time that other taxes appear likely to be raised.