Equity
MDOT’s Equity Commitment
At the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), our dedication to customer service and innovation for the public good is inseparable from our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. It is central to our mission as a government agency, to ensure that each member of our community has full opportunity to thrive in our environment, for we believe that diversity is key to individual excellence and the advancement of knowledge.The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA)’s mission is to deliver safe, sustainable, intelligent, exceptional, and inclusive transportation solutions in order to connect our customers to life’s opportunities. One of MDTA’s core values is excellence – excellence in our people, relationships, work and environment – and we strive to reach that through our commitment to diversity and equity. By developing and nurturing diversity, we reap greater rewards of creativity, flexibility and excellence that exist in all of us.
Equity Goal for The Study
The MDTA will incorporate equity considerations and practices during the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) planning process from scoping through the Record of Decision for the Bay Crossing Study: Tier 2 NEPA (Tier 2 Study). Meaningful participation from individuals and groups historically excluded, overburdened and underserved will be encouraged. The MDTA will ensure the needs and concerns of individuals and communities are considered throughout the Tier 2 Study to establish a fair and equitable transportation decision.
Chesapeake Bay Crossing Study (Tier 2) Equity Survey
The comment period for the Equity Survey and September 2023 Open Houses has now closed. Although the official comment period for this survey has ended, comments regarding the Tier 2 Study can be submitted at any time via the comment page, study email, or via mail at: Bay Crossing Study, Maryland Transportation Authority Division of Planning & Program Development 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Environment
The Tier 2 NEPA Study will evaluate specific transportation alternatives within the Corridor and identify potential environmental impacts. Avoidance and minimization opportunities also will be evaluated. See below for the environmental technical studies that will be conducted in the Tier 2 Study.
Environmental Resources Web Map
Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966
The National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (NHPA) is a federal law governing stewardship of our nation’s cultural heritage. Section 106 of the NHPA requires federal agencies to take into consideration the effects their actions will have on historic properties. State and local projects using federal funding, or requiring federal approval or permitting, are required to comply with what is often referred to as “Section 106.” The Section 106 review process includes the following general steps for a project:
Section 106 consultation was initiated during the Tier 1 Study. During the Tier 2, MDTA, on behalf of FHWA, will continue to consult with federal, state, and local government agencies, federally recognized Indian tribes, and other individuals/organizations with a demonstrated interest in the project. These groups are collectively referred to as consulting parties. Consulting party status allows participants to share their views related to historic properties in the study area and potential project effects on those historic properties. While MDTA must consider the views of consulting parties during the Section 106 process, it is not required to ultimately accept or implement those views. If you have questions about the Section 106 process, please contact info@baycrossingstudy.com.
Cultural Resources Gap Analysis Report
This Cultural Resources Gap Analysis Report synthesizes previous cultural resources investigations and identifies the gap between those investigations and the additional research, survey, and evaluation needed to identify historic properties required by Section 106 of the NHPA. It proposes methodologies to identify and evaluate historic properties, which are defined as any prehistoric or historic district, site, building, structure, or object included in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (36 CFR 800.16). Portions of the report that contain sensitive archaeological information have been redacted.
