WORKGROUP ON TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT APPROVAL AUTHORITY

Vacancy, Chair (chosen by Governor):

Appointed by Governor: Gary R. Armstrong; Carla A. Nelson Chambers; Melinda Peters; Michael Sakata.

Appointed by Senate President: Shelly L. Hettleman

Appointed by House Speaker: one vacancy

Ex officio: Brooke E. Lierman, Esq., Comptroller of Maryland; Dereck E. Davis, State Treasurer; Walter L. Simmons, Secretary of Social & Economic Mobility; Kathryn B. Thomson, Esq., Secretary of Transportation.

Staff:

[Dept. of Transportation Building, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, Maryland] c/o Transportation Investments
Department of Transportation
Harry R. Hughes Department of Transportation Building, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, MD 21076
(410) 865-1158

Harry R. Hughes Department of Transportation Building, 7201 Corporate Center Drive, Hanover, Maryland, May 2009. Photo by Diane F. Evartt.

Report to Governor & General Assembly due Dec. 1, 2026 (Chapter 408, Acts of 2026).

In June 2026, the General Assembly authorized the Workgroup on Transportation Contract Approval Authority (Chapter 408, Acts of 2026).

The Workgroup charge is to study the existing approval authority structure for capital expenditures by the Department of Transportation and the Maryland Transportation Authority in connection with State roads, bridges, or highways, including a review of the justifications for the existing approval authority structure and whether the structure continues to provide public benefit. Also under consideration will be the effect of altering the approval authority structure for capital expenditures, including whether to require approval of the award of new contracts and change orders for these projects by the Board of Public Works; and the purpose, impact, and public value of the Board of Public Works' approval process for such expenditures. Moreover, the Workgroup is to analyze alternative options for review and approval by the Board of Public Works for the award of new contracts and change orders for road, bridge, or highway projects: and examine the impact on contract award and completion timeline. Further, the Workgroup will evaluate the effect of expanding the current delegated authority for capital expenditures to support service on Maryland Transit Administration fixed guideway systems and associated transit facilities and vehicles. Finally, the Workgroup is to evaluate the impact of the existing approval authority structure and any alternative approval authority structures on the ability to secure federal funding for roads, bridges, or highways.

Ten members constitute the Workgroup. Four members are appointed by the Governor; and one member each is appointed by the Senate President and House Speaker. Four members serve ex officio. The Governor names the Chair.

Authorization for the Workgroup ends June 30, 2027.

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