What is the Transportation Trust Fund?
The Transportation Trust Fund (TTF), created in 1971, establishes a dedicated fund to support the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Money from the fund allows Maryland to meet growing transportation service and infrastructure needs and maintenance. An adequately funded Transportation Trust Fund ensures that Maryland continues to have an excellent transportation system; a necessity to support economic growth throughout the state. NOTE: The Transportation Trust Fund is completely separate from the General Fund.

For more information regarding the State of Maryland's Transportation Trust Fund and the benefits that would accrue as a result of increases to it, please see the Greater Baltimore Committee's recent study, Investing in Maryland's transportation infrastructure: The costs and benefits to workforce and family.


Where does the money come from?
Money for the Transportation Trust Fund comes from transportation related taxation, such as gasoline taxes, motor vehicle registration and titling fees; federal funds and transportation operations. Other revenue for the fund is generated from corporate income tax and bond sales.


How is the money spent?
The Transportation Trust Fund pays for transportation related programs and projects such as bridge upkeep, highway maintenance, operating the motor vehicle administration, and Maryland's airports and shipping ports. Additionally, the fund supports the transit administration, the Washington Area Metropolitan Transit Authority and contributions to local governments for transportation related projects.

*Percentages based on total expenditures for MDOT program period FY2007

Why do we need more?
The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) estimates that there is nearly $40 billion in unmet transportation needs. According to MDOT, under the current trend, the amount of transportation funding available for capital projects will begin decreasing after FY2009. MDOT projects that without a revenue increase in FY2013, there will be $700 million less capital funding available than today.

With national issues like increased security at ports and airports and maintenance on aging roads, bridges and mass transit infrastructure, Maryland will need at least $600 million to expand its transportation system to meet new demand.