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      transportation and associated vehicle registration and driver licensing
      functions.

      Five modal administrations comprise the Department: the Maryland
      Aviation Administration (MAA), the Maryland Port Administration (MPA),
      the Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA), the Mass Transit Administration
      (MTA) and the State Highway Administration (SHA). Certain other
      transportation facilities are operated as toll facilities by the
      Maryland Transportation Authority (MdTA). Although MdTA acts on behalf
      of MDOT, none of the revenues from these facilities is directly
      available to MDOT. The MdTA is governed by a six-member commission
      appointed by the Governor, and the Secretary of Transportation serves as
      the Chairman.

      MDOT's Vision

      The Maryland Department of Transportation will meet Maryland's
      transportation service and mobility needs with a seamless, integrated
      system that is among the best in the world. This system will allow
      people and goods to move safely and efficiently across Maryland, into
      other states and around the world. It will enhance the quality of life
      of our citizens, help direct population growth to existing communities
      and support the State's business climate.

      MTP Creates the Vision for Other Department Plans.

      The Vision unifies the Department in its mission of providing, operating
      and maintaining Maryland's transportation infrastructure and services.
      It not only addresses the more practical role of managing the State's
      transportation system, it also looks to the outcomes of these efforts on
      the well being of the economy, businesses and the people of Maryland.
      The MTP works in tandem with other policy and functional plans within
      MDOT. The principles contained in MDOT's Vision are reflected in and
      implemented by the MTP goals and policies. The Vision also forms a
      foundation for the Department's Strategic Plan which is a "business"
      plan that focuses on the MDOT's day-to-day functions, human resource and
      financial management and its commitment to produce quality products and
      services. Each modal administration has its own strategic plan where the
      Vision is carried out in terms of the operating needs of that agency.

      MTP Implements the Vision.

      The MTP elements on Regional Transportation, Freight Transportation,
      Economic Development and Funding and Finance all contain policies
      reinforcing the Department's commitment to develop and manage a
      "seamless, integrated system" which "allows people and goods to move
      safely and efficiently across Maryland, into other states and around the
      world." While the Regional Transportation element focuses on ensuring
      adequate mobility choices are available for
      people needing to access the Maryland marketplace, the Freight
      Transportation element focuses on ensuring an efficient and modern
      freight transportation system is also in place. Policies in the economic
      development element attempt to strike a balance between the two by
      directing the Department to consult with business and economic
      development leaders to identify transportation strategies for supporting
      economic activity and growth in Maryland. Finally, the MTP Funding and
      Finance element directs the Department to remain committed to system
      preservation, efficient operations and cost-effective transportation
      solutions to ensure sufficient resources are available to implement
      needed system-wide improvements.

      The Community Mobility, Funding and Finance, Regional Transportation and
      Smart Growth elements contain policies to "enhance the quality of life
      of our citizens, help direct population growth to existing communities
      and support the State’s business climate." Public involvement and
      outreach is an important tool for identifying the transportation
      services needed to improve economic opportunities and quality of life
      for Maryland residents. Furthermore, the Smart Growth and Regional
      Transportation elements direct the Department to improve Marylanders'
      access to economic opportunities and markets by providing mode choices
      as well as encouraging land uses that support transit, carpooling,
      bicycling and walking. Supporting this policy direction are policies in
      the Community Mobility and Smart Growth elements to enhance the
      attractiveness, safety and economic vitality of established Maryland
      communities as a way to draw people and businesses back to them.
      Reducing Vehicle Trips is Fundamental.

      Fundamental to achieving the Department's Vision is to utilize

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