ANNAPOLIS, Md (July 3,2024) — The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) which is comprised of chair, Governor Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman, and Treasurer Dereck Davis approved more than $523 million for 136 initiatives and projects across Maryland. Chief Deputy Treasurer Jonathan D. Martin attended today's Board of Public Works meeting on behalf of Treasurer Dereck Davis.

During the meeting, the BPW considered an emergency procurement contract award of $2.7 million to Murphy & Dittenhafer Architects to provide comprehensive design services for the HVAC and structure renovation of the William Donald Schaefer Tower in Baltimore. Comptroller Lierman, in her remarks, highlighted concerns about the decision to renovate the building, stressing the need to fully understand the project justification in light of its high cost.

“I have to question whether it is worth it for us to put $110 million into this building rather than moving the employees to other buildings,” Comptroller Lierman said. “I'm happy to vote yes on it, but $110 million is three elementary schools, so I'm cognizant of it being a lot of money. I just want to understand what kind of comparison or economic analysis we have done to make sure that's the right course for the future of the state office buildings in downtown Baltimore."

In response to questions from Comptroller Lierman, Department of General Services (DGS) Secretary Atif T. Chaudhry acknowledged the high expense but defended the recommendation to renovate the building rather than relocate by highlighting the building’s size, location, and relatively new age. Comptroller Lierman emphasized the importance of becoming compliant with the Climate Solutions Now Act, while being strong fiscal stewards.

Comptroller Lierman thanked Governor Wes Moore and Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold for their collaboration and partnership to move forward with the Red Line project.

“Implementing a safe and equitable transportation system has long been a priority of mine in Baltimore,” Comptroller Lierman said. “I am really focused on that and the transit spending, so I wanted to thank you for providing the backup for the $60 million investment."

Despite her overall support of the Red Line project, Comptroller Lierman highlighted a concern surrounding the reliance on contractors to complete the project.

“I just want to note for the record, I remain concerned with the sort of continued reliance on contractors, and the hourly consultant rates we pay,” Comptroller Lierman said. “I continue to look forward to seeing some of this coming in-house so that we can continue to do the work and build our expertise at MTA."

In all, the BPW approved 136 items, representing a total State expenditure of $523,879,608.04.  A comprehensive list of items approved are as follows:

• 13 items awarding $44 million to prime certified small businesses;
• 4 items awarding $20 million to prime Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs);
• 19 items awarded with established participation goals for MBEs; and
• 3 with goals for Veteran-owned Small Business Enterprises.

The next meeting of the Board of Public Works is July 17.