MDHCC Infrastructure & Transportation Summit 2024

MARYLAND STATE HIGHWAY ADMINISTRATION: CAPITAL PROJECTS

The Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), part of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), manages capital projects across the state to improve transportation infrastructure. These projects typically include the design, construction, and maintenance of highways, bridges, and related infrastructure.

MARYLAND TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION - BALTIMORE RED LINE PROJECT

The Baltimore Red Line is a long-planned 14.1-mile east-west light rail project designed to improve public transportation in Baltimore, connecting Woodlawn in Baltimore County to Bayview through downtown. Initially halted in 2015 by Governor Larry Hogan due to cost concerns, the project aimed to alleviate traffic, reduce emissions, and boost economic development while enhancing access to jobs and services, particularly benefiting underserved communities. In 2023, Governor Wes Moore revived interest in the project, recognizing its potential for equitable transit access and economic growth, with new studies underway to determine the best path forward.

NICO ÁVILA MUSIC

Nico Ávila is a Classical/Flamenco Guitarist who is majoring in Music Performance at the University of South Florida. He has participated in 2 master classes while attending University of Tampa; one taught by William Kanengiser and one by Ben Lougheed.

Nico's teachers so far, David Sobel and John Demas, have learned from some of the best guitarists in the world. These players include Manuel Barrueco, Julian Grey, Aaron Shearer, and Pepe Romero.

Nico is also an aspiring pianist. He started reading music on the piano at the age of six. When a flood damaged all of the pianos in his High School, he was placed in a guitar class. This was the beginning of Nico's career in Classical Guitar. He has not looked back and loves to perform.  He has also been a member of the Tampa Bay Flamenco Company and performs for prestigious events all over the country. 

MARYLAND AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: CAPITAL PROJECTS

BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport is a key driver of economic activity and global connectivity for the State of Maryland. As the busiest airport in the region for passenger and cargo traffic, BWI Marshall Airport produces a total annual economic impact of $11.3 billion. The airport and its passengers generate, support, and sustain more than 107,000 jobs throughout the region. Senior leaders from the Maryland Aviation Administration, Division of Planning and Engineering, will detail an aggressive capital program and upcoming procurements that will advance important projects to improve BWI Marshall Airport for travelers and provide critical facilities for airline partners.

MARYLAND TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY: BAY BRIDGE CROSSING STUDY 

The William Preston Lane Jr. Memorial Bridge, or Bay Bridge is Maryland's only Chesapeake Bay crossing connecting the Eastern and Western Shore. More than 26 million vehicles cross the Bay Bridge each year resulting in traffic volumes that frequently exceed the bridge's capacity. The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is currently conducting a Tier 2 NEPA Study that is analyzing alternatives to provide adequate bay crossing capacity and reliable travel times in addition to improving mobility and safety, addressing existing and future maintenance needs at the existing spans and addressing navigation on the Chesapeake Bay. Ms. Heather Lowe, MDTA's project Manager and MDTA's Consultant Project Manager, Eric Almquist (RK&K) will be providing a Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 update.

TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY: KEYS BRIDGE RE-BUILD

"MDTA will present on the Key Bridge Rebuild Project including the project's current status, challenges, and next steps. Topics will include the overall rebuild, traffic management, environmental considerations, design and construction, and community engagement. There will be an opportunity for community members to ask questions and share their feedback."