March 3rd, 2016 by WCBC Radio
Maryland Republicans are opposing a measure that would create a scoring system to prioritize transportation projects. House Republicans criticized the plan this week. They say it would erode local officials' input on transportation funding. Republican Del. Nic Kipke, the House minority leader, says spending on mass transit has outpaced spending on highways and bridges for too long. Democrats say the scoring system is designed to prioritize projects with strong benefits. The proposal is part of a reaction to Republican Governor Larry Hogan's decision not to move forward with funding a light rail plan in Baltimore and shifting money to roads and bridges. The measure wouldn't stop the governor from financing projects that don't score highly, but it would require an explanation for not following the scoring system. Howard County Delegate Bob Flanagan, who served as state transportation secretary under the Ehrlich Administration told WBAL NewsRadio 1090 that the bill was a "temper tantrum" for Democrats…
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