A lack of funding could hamper the state?s plan to expand housing, increase science and math education, and push for redevelopment to handle 60,000 incoming military jobs in 2011.
The state?s Base Realignment and Closure action plan accounts for spending through fiscal 2008.
“We will be evaluating things as we go through the budget process and examine where our priorities are,” said Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, chairman of the state?s BRAC subcabinet committee during a public hearing Monday in Crownsville.
Only transportation projects have a long-term funding stream after the General Assembly passed a $400 million funding mechanism Tuesday.
“Outside the 2008 budget, it does not reflect anything else,” said Bob Leib, Anne Arundel?s BRAC coordinator.
“We?re trying to figure out where the local jurisdictions fare in this plan.”
To handle the thousands of new households coming to Fort Meade and Aberdeen Proving Ground, the state proposes to push transit-oriented development and urban redevelopment in areas such as Baltimore City, and fund more affordable-housing sites and mortgage-assistance programs.
“We want to look at incentives … along with other taxing tools and planning tools for areas we know are under growth pressure near the BRAC facilities or closer to transit opportunities,” state Planning Secretary Richard Hall said.
In education, the state wants to fast-track teachers of science, math and technology into the school system, as well as teach students what they need to do to obtain security clearance.
The BRAC transportation plan does not differ from the state?s annual road and transit project list, but state Transportation Secretary John Porcari is pushing for more transit projects, such as commuter buses and rail service, as top BRAC priorities.
“This plan is a good start, because it pulls together all interested parties across the state,” said Kent Menser, Howard?s BRAC coordinator.
“But you have to remember that this plan, and the local counties? plans, are still works in progress.”
Staff Writer Matthew Santoni contributed to this story.
ON THE NET
Officials want public feedback on the BRAC Action plan, so they extended finalizing the plan until Dec. 17.
To view the plan, visit www.gov.md.us/BRAC. To comment, call 410-260-6116 or e-mail [email protected].
