Gov. Martin O'Malley Wednesday announced the appointment of former Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith as the new secretary of the Maryland Department of Transportation.
In his role, Smith will oversee the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013’s $4.4 billion in new investments over the next six years and lead a 10,000-employee department, according to a press release.
"As an outstanding former county executive, he understands the connections between transportation and jobs, and I am confident that his leadership will help us build the 21st Century transportation network that will spur economic development and turn our investments into real projects that make a real difference for all Marylanders," O'Malley said.
Smith's priorites in his new role include tackling issues related to safety and traffic congestion on Interstate 695, the release states. During his eight years as county executive, he had previously worked with the state and the department of transportation on projects, including the Owings Mills transit-oriented development project.
"I am honored to be able to serve with Governor O’Malley as Transportation Secretary during this amazing time in our State’s transportation history," Smith said in the release.
"I like serving the public and working on public policy. I am committed to ... turn this state’s vision of our future transportation network into a reality that creates good family-supporting jobs and quality of life for all Marylanders."
O'Malley also named Robert L. Smith, a transit professional with more than 30 years experience, as the new administrator for the Maryland Transit. His focus will be on implementing the new MARC service improvements.
The governor announced the appointments at at the site of a new $90 million project to widen Interstate 695 from US Route 40 to Frederick Road in Baltimore County, the release states. The project, which will start in spring 2015, is expected to create almost 1,200 jobs.
"If we want better results, we have to make better choices," O'Malley said in the release. "This session, we came together for the future of Maryland’s transportation network to create more than 57,000 jobs for our hardworking families and rebuild our state’s infrastructure."