Transportation - Regional Transportation Authorities

HB 1370 creates three new regional transportation authorities for Baltimore, the Capital (Annapolis/Baltimore corridor), and Southern Maryland regions. It establishes dedicated transportation funds for each region, funded by 70% of sales tax surcharges and hotel surcharges collected within each area. The remaining 30% of these revenues must be distributed to local counties and municipalities based on their share of taxable activity. These funds are designed to be permanent ("nonlapsing") and earn interest, which automatically adds to the fund balance. The bill directs these funds specifically toward developing and implementing regional transportation plans.