Lynn Winchellmendi, deputy director for MTA's local transit support office, said the agency is awarding $1,800,000 in grants to Carroll County for locally operated transit services, preventive maintenance and three small buses.

'A robust public transit system also means economic and social mobility,' Winchellmendi said, adding MTA considers locally operated systems critical partners.

Several municipal leaders asked whether additional state funding is likely. MDOT staff said the formula for locally operated transit funding has been updated and that staff will work with county transit officials to review ridership projections and routes to identify operational and capital needs. MDOT staff pointed to 5310 (enhanced mobility for seniors and people with disabilities) and other federal programs as places to pursue additional funds.

Mount Airy representatives described an MOU intended to allow Carroll Transit and Frederick County transit to coordinate cross-county pickups so residents can reach medical appointments across the county line. Mount Airy also said a TAP-funded design is under way to extend Center Street across MD 27 by a tunnel or bridge to improve pedestrian connections.

On trails, officials recalled earlier state grant awards for phases of the Frank Brown Trail and said remaining connections stalled when an Army National Guard Readiness Center siting altered access; MDOT staff advised coordinating with the recreational trails and Transportation Alternatives programs and said federal funding pots might be available to revive the project.

Ending: MDOT and MTA encouraged local officials to schedule follow-up meetings to align ridership data, update local transit plans and pursue federal grant programs for transit and recreational trails.