Overview

• In a letter to Gov. Wes Moore, USDOT Secretary Sean Duffy requested a meeting and detailed updates on budget and schedule, citing concern over Maryland’s $1.8 billion estimate, reports of projections topping $5 billion, and the 2028 completion target.
• Duffy warned that race- or sex‑conscious contracting could be unconstitutional and said reliance on such factors risks legal vulnerabilities and inefficiencies, noting DOT has asked a federal court to strike down DBE presumptions.
• Maryland said it will work with the Trump administration to reduce costs and accelerate work, previewed finalized price estimates in the coming months, and highlighted ongoing litigation and insurance proceeds to keep the project moving, without addressing the DEI concerns.
• The state has set a 31.5% DBE participation goal for the rebuild and lead contractor Kiewit says it is committed to meeting it, while at least one competing bid was rejected for failing to comply with DBE requirements, according to public documents.
• Maryland’s delegation underscored that full federal funding is written into law as design, demolition, and pre‑construction continue toward a currently stated 2028 completion, which USDOT has questioned.