STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR MARTIN O’MALLEY ON PASSAGE OF TRANSPORTATION BILL IN THE U.S. SENATE

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Governor Martin O’Malley released the following statement on the U.S. Senate’s passage of its version of a federal surface transportation authorization bill:

“I’d like to commend the U.S. Senate for its leadership and appreciation of two urgent needs – jobs and improvements to our nation’s roads, bridges, railways and waterways. I’d also like to applaud Senator Mikulski and Senator Cardin for recognizing the fact that less traffic, better transit, an upgraded infrastructure, and a better quality of life make a big difference for retaining, attracting and growing jobs in Maryland. Reauthorizing federal highway and transit programs will support thousands of jobs right here in Maryland and help us continue to advance critical transportation projects like the Red and Purple Lines.

“To create jobs, a modern economy requires modern investments; investments that we can only make together; investments by all of us for the benefit of all of us. That’s not a Democratic or a Republican idea; it’s an economic and historic truth. It was true for our parents, it was true for our grandparents, and it is a truth that has built our State and has built our country.”