From the office of Del. Mary-Dulany James:
Annapolis, March 19, 2010- Delegate Mary-Dulany James has submitted a bill along with her colleague Delegate John Bohanan that would require the State Highway Administration and the Maryland Department of the Environment to put the permitting for certain projects on a fast track. The legislation would require the permit process to be expedited for projects that have a positive impact on the economy and create jobs while maintaining the State’s high standards.
Delegate James has said, “I introduced this bill because it is the right thing to do regardless of the economy.” She went on to say “the State serves the people who create jobs, not the other way around. This is about customer service and the State ought to do a better job by its clients.” The Delegate said projects in her district being held up by permitting is what gave her the original idea; “there are projects ready to move that would create jobs, as a state we cannot be in the business of preventing economic growth during this great recession or at any time.”
Many counties are fast tracking projects on the local level so having the State partner with those local efforts would move development forward and create jobs both during construction and once a business is open.
Ms. Dulany James, nice job! Would you please articulate which projects you would like to see placed on the “fast track.” What industry are you trying to lure to Harford County? I hope you also trying to obtain additional funding for improvements to the over-burdened State roads in our county such as Routes 22, 543 and 152, which will experience far more traffic due to “BRAC.”
Thanks for your time.
Hi. I did not realize The Dagger did not print that replies to these Updates should be sent to my legislative email account so I am sorry I did not see your question sooner. I will write to you again and give you the details of how projects can be eligible for Fast Tracking. And yes, I am working hard on trying to secure more money for BRAC transportation needs including the roads you referenced. I have managed to keep money for the design but the State does not have enough to do all the construction required as of this date.
Anytime you have a question, please feel free to write to Mary_Dulany_James@house.state.md.us or call 410-841-3331 or visit my interactive website at marydulanyjames.com.
Thanks and I will be back in touch.
Mary-Dulany James