No One Holds the Line on Federal Spending in the Old Line State

Maryland got 101 specific projects -- or "earmarks" in the highway bill. About 90% of Maryland's share of federal money will go straight to the state highway gurus. But $375 million has to be spent on those 101 projects.

That includes:

• $10 million to build 7 hiking and bike trails across the state
• $5.2 for what Rep. Ben Cardin's (D-MD) calls a "park and float" facility at Baltimore's Inner Harbor -- effectively a parking lot at one of the water taxi stops
• $80,000 for a study of "conflicts between traffic and light rail" in Linthicum
• $2.6 million for a garage and pedestrian bridge at Coppin State College in Baltimore
• $16.9 million for visitors centers and related improvements at Fort McHenry, Assateague Island and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Taxpayers are finding out the "Free State" -- like all the rest -- ain't free. (WTOP Radio)