The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) invited all interested parties to join us at our Tier 1 Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) Bay Crossing Study Public Hearings. Originally scheduled for December, release of the DEIS was delayed due to concerns with rising state COVID-19 rates and associated restrictions. In following public health guidance and to ensure adequate opportunity for the public to comment, MDTA and its federal partners at the FHWA updated the roll-out schedule. The purpose of the Bay Crossing Study is to consider corridors for providing additional capacity and access across the Chesapeake Bay in order to improve mobility, travel reliability, and safety at the existing Bay Bridge. The Public Hearings were made up of two components – the Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR) and Live Testimony Sessions . The live testimony consisted of four call-in sessions, with two in-person opportunities also available. Each testimony session included the opportunity to provide public and one-on-one testimony. There was no formal presentation during the testimony sessions, and no responses to questions were given. The MDTA accepted comments during the comment period through May 17, 2021 via mail, email, and the project website.
Public Hearing Virtual Information Room (VIR) Began February 23, 2021
Beginning February 23, 2021, the DEIS and public hearing materials were made available for review in the Virtual Information Room (VIR). The public is encouraged to review these materials.
In the VIR, attendees will have the opportunity to:
- review information on the Tier 1 DEIS and the MDTA-Recommended Preferred Corridor Alternative
- register to give public or one-on-one testimony
- learn how to submit and provide written comments
Live Testimony Sessions Began April 14, 2021
Each testimony session followed the same format and was broadcast on-line at baycrossingstudy.com and via telephone. Those who wished to listen live and/or leave their testimony by voicemail during the testimony session were able to do so by telephone.
Call-In Testimony Sessions
April 14, 1-3PM and 6-8PM
April 15, 1-3PM and 6-8PM
April 21, 6-8PM
April 22, 6-8PM
In-Person Testimony Sessions
6:00 - 8:00 PM
April 21
DoubleTree by Hilton
Hotel Annapolis
210 Holiday Ct
Annapolis, MD 21401
April 22
Kent Island
American Legion Hall
800 Romancoke Rd
Stevensville, MD 21666