Paid for by Citizens for Colburn Committee. Authority John W. Phillips, Jr., Treasurer

Funding allows Oxford, East New Market to move on plans
July 5, 2005
Star Democrat

ANNAPOLIS — Sen. Richard F. Colburn, R-37-Mid-Shore, has announced that State Highway Administration (SHA) and the state’s legislative leadership have agreed to a funding plan to enable Oxford and East New Market to move forward with proposed projects to upgrade state Route 333 and state Routes 14 and 16 respectively through their towns.

“It was very frustrating and disappointing for me as well as the involved municipalities to learn that their already approved projects were to be delayed due to budget language passed during the 2005 legislative session,” Colburn said.

East New Market is in the final planning stages on upgrades that, upon completion, will improve traffic safety and drainage conditions as well as the aesthetic appearance in the town. Listed as a National Historic District, East New Market will be enhanced by brick sidewalks and period lighting.

Oxford’s Route 333 is also in much need of the proposed improvements. The quaintness and historic value of the town will be augmented by brick sidewalks, Colburn said. The problematic flooding issue on Oxford’s Morris Street will be corrected by an improved drainage system.”

The governor included $31.3 million in his fiscal year 2006 budget to fund SHA’s Community Safety and Enhancement Program (CSEP). The General Assembly reduced this amount by $29.3 million, effectively delaying all CSEP projects that were not already under construction.

The General Assembly indicated that the Governor could submit a budget amendment, of up to $12.2 million, to restore additional projects if the Department of Transportation (MDOT) achieved higher revenues in fiscal year 2005 than had been projected in January.

MDOT has now identified additional revenue in the form of a $20 million revenue reserve that is no longer needed, of which $12.2 million would be applied to CSEP. Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller and House Speaker Michael E. Busch have both voiced their support for a $13.6 million special fund deficiency appropriation to provide additional funding for CSEP during the 2006 legislative session.

Colburn, in response to the proposed funding plan, stated, “I certainly commend President Miller, Speaker Busch and Secretary Flanagan for working together to find a solution that restores the approved CSEP projects. The improvements will provide both a visual upgrade in the selected communities and increase the safety conditions for those traveling through these towns.”