Leggett, Governor Celebrate Huge County Victory in Annapolis

O’Malley Hails Executive as “an outspoken advocate for an increase in transportation funding revenues”

County Executive Ike Leggett (left) was at Governor Martin J. O’Malley’s shoulder as the governor signed the Transportation Act that increases revenues from the sale of gasoline for the first time in a generation. Revenue from the bill, estimated at $4.4 billion over the next six years, will boost economic development in the County. The funds will be dedicated to new roads and mass transit projects, including the Purple Line, the Corridor Cities Transitway and a backlog of major road projects.

Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, a staunch advocate for an increase in transportation funding revenues, joined Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Jr. and Speaker of the House Michael E. Busch at the bill signing for the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013 (pdf).

“The Act will help replenish the State’s Transportation Trust Fund and assist counties throughout the state to advance major transportation infrastructure,” said Leggett. “The Bill is essential to the future vibrancy of Montgomery County, the state’s key economic development engine and job creator. We now have the means to move forward on our major master plans that incorporate investment in new transportation infrastructure.

“The Washington region has the dubious distinction of being rated number one in the nation as having the worst traffic congestion,” Leggett noted, “and that is why Montgomery County’s number one priority for more than 10 years has been to obtain more transportation funding.”

“This historic transportation bill allows us to move forward with the first new major transportation projects in more than eight years,” said O’Malley. “Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett has been a consistently strong advocate and working together with legislative leaders and members of the General Assembly, we have guaranteed a sustainable transportation funding source that will provide a safer, more efficient transportation network, spur economic development and support more than 57,200 jobs”

After the signing, Leggett (second from left) joined County transit activists on the State House steps including Ben Ross (third from left), Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Gigi Godwin (center), and Maryland League of Women Voters President Nancy Soreng (right front).

• Read Press Release.
• Read Governor’s Release.