In an op-ed for MarylandReporter.com, Hodges offers several tax relief initiatives aimed at spurring growth and helping Maryland’s economy thrive. “Government should always be about fostering conditions — laws, regulations, and taxes — to better enable the citizens to thrive,” writes Hodges. http://marylandreporter.com/2017/01/03/opinion-some-ideas-for-legislative-relief-to-help-maryland-thrive/
Federal Railroad Administration Plan Could Mean Economic Growth for Baltimore, State
The Federal Railroad Administration’s recently released 30-year plan for the Northeast corridor includes proposals that would significantly reduce the rail travel time between Baltimore and New York City—down to 1 hour and 45 minutes–potentially spurring economic growth, according to an editorial in The Baltimore Sun. The Northeast Corridor is expected to grow by 7 million residents by 2040 according to FRA’s study. As with everything infrastructure, the FRA’s plan comes at a cost, but one the editorial says is necessary for the nation’s busiest transportation corridor. http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-amtrak-20170102-story.html
Infrastructure Projects Show Big Economic Returns, Big Hurdles to Fund, Treasury Department Study Finds
In a study released on December 30, the Treasury Department listed 40 transportation and water infrastructure projects nationwide with the potential for major returns on investment, reports Engineering News-Record. The report estimates that capital costs would total more than $330 billion, but that net economic benefits would be between $500 billion and $1.1 trillion. Despite the high ROI, the study noted that 39 of the projects face major funding shortfalls and funding remains the biggest hurdle to overcome. http://www.enr.com/articles/41202-study-lists-40-projects-with-big-economic-payoffs-but-facing-hurdles