Considering the possibility of build alternatives for the I-495 and I-270 Public-Private Partnership Program, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) this week launched the Opportunity MDOT program, meant to train small, minority, women and veteran-owned businesses for potential job opportunities.
The work on I-495 and I-270 seeks to provide congestion relief to the area. The Opportunity MDOT program, meanwhile, aims to support that effort through an approximately $9 billion to $11 billion investment effort.
“With on-the-job training and apprenticeships, this innovative program will provide disadvantaged workers with key skills to connect them to real career opportunities,” MDOT Secretary Pete Rahn said.
To kick off the program, MDOT will host a workshop on Aug. 1, at the University of Maryland, College Park. Registration is free, and anyone interested in working with the P3 program is welcome. Additionally, Opportunity MDOT will provide a web-based information hub known as the Center of Excellence, through which they will provide training, advisory services, and advanced industry resources.
“After spending nearly my entire career in a small business environment, I am excited about the tremendous opportunities this initiative will provide Maryland businesses and the workers they employ,” Gov. Larry Hogan said. “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and will play a major role in our efforts to provide traffic relief for Marylanders.”