Dena Levitz, The Examiner
2007-06-27 07:00:00.0
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Montgomery County -

Montgomery County is looking for some creativity in the way it funds new infrastructure. Breaking from tradition, officials are starting a new citizen-derived work group aimed at coming up with innovative ways to pay for much-needed large-scale projects in the county.

The work group was included in a bill drafted by Council Members Nancy Floreen, Valerie Ervin, Mike Knapp, Roger Berliner and Duchy Trachtenberg that passed without discussion Tuesday.

According to officials, the group will recommend funding strategies for which the county does not currently have legal authority to operate but that will raise significant funds for capital budget projects.

“Federal, state and county governments have not kept up with the growing revenue needs,” the resolution states. “Critically needed county government projects remain on paper: libraries have been postponed; congested intersections wait for funding for long-planned improvements; new or improved recreation centers are delayed; possible new senior centers remain in the future column.

“Residents are denied the facilities they expect and desire.” Community members will have to be selected for the work group. Then the group will meet and developing strategies.

Montgomery County’s capital improvement budget is a wish list of sorts for six years at a time that includes a huge selection of projects, including the construction of new libraries, fire stations and recreation centers.

The county relies upon federal and state dollars for funds to pay for these initiatives. But, particularly with regard to transportation projects, officials have said that the county has had to pay for a greater and greater share of the total.

For information about the group, call 240-777-7936.

dlevitz@dcexaminer.com