Transportation - Major Highway Capacity Expansion Projects and Impact Assessments (Transportation and Climate Alignment Act of 2025)

SB 395 requires Maryland's Department of Transportation to develop multimodal transportation programs (like improved transit, biking, and pedestrian options) alongside major highway expansion projects costing over $5 million. It mandates that the Department assess each project's impact on greenhouse gas emissions and vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and fund offsetting activities to ensure the net VMT increase from the project is zero or negative. The bill specifically directs funding toward overburdened and underserved communities affected by highway projects, prioritizing investments in transit, bike lanes, and land use changes in those areas. This applies to highway capacity expansions that add lanes or extend existing highways, aiming to align transportation planning with climate goals.