Maryland Manual 1994-1995

became part of the Department of Transportation
(Chapter 526, Acts of 1970). At that time, most
Commission duties were assumed by the State
Highway Administration, and the Director became
State Highway Administrator.
By condemnation proceedings, the State Roads
Commission acquires property needed for highway
purposes (Code Transportation Article, secs. 8-210
through 8-339; Constitution, Art. III, sec. 40B).
The Commission consists of eight members ap-
pointed to four-year terms by the Secretary of
Transportation with the Governor's approval.
Seven members serve part-time. They are Regional
Commissioners appointed from seven geographic
areas: the Eastern Shore; Anne Arundel, Calvert,
Charles, or St. Mary's County; Allegany, Carroll,
Frederick, Garrett, or Washington County;
Montgomery County; Prince George's County;
Baltimore, Harford, or Howard County; and Bal-
timore City. At least two members must belong to
a leading political party in the State which is not the
party of the Governor. The chairperson, who is also
the State Highway Administrator, is appointed by
the Secretary of Transportation with the Gover-
nor's approval (Code Transportation Article, secs.
8-210 through 8-218).

DISTRICT ENGINEERS
The State Highway Administration has divided
the State into seven engineering districts where
right-of-way and legal offices are maintained. Dis-
trict Engineers are responsible for these offices.
District Engineers work to provide the traveling
public with safe roads. Within their geographic areas,
District Engineers administer and implement pro-
grams and policies of the State Highway Administra-
tion and Department of Transportation. They oversee
bridge and road construction and maintenance; de-
velop and manage district budgets; and recommend
improvements for traffic. District Engineers represent
the State Highway Administration in all public mat-
ters at the district level. They also make recommenda-
tions to and coordinate their work with representatives
of the Federal Highway Administration, the Depart-
ment of Transportation, other State agencies, local
government, and the public.

OFFICE OF CHIEF ENGINEER
C. Robert Olsen, Chief Engineer

707 North Calvert St.
Baltimore, MD 21202 (410) 333-1200

The Office of Chief Engineer began in 1908 with
the creation of the State Roads Commission. The
Chief Engineer is responsible for the engineering of
highways and bridges under the State Highway
Administration. The Chief Engineer provides guid-
ance to the District Engineers and monitors the
overall program.

Under the Chief Engineer are six deputies who
oversee construction, maintenance, materials and
research, traffic and safety, highway development,
and bridge development.

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION
Marsha J. Allender, Director
(410) 333-1234

The Office of Administration was organized in
1964 as the Administrative Division under the State
Roads Commission. The Office administers daily
management and administrative operations of the
State Highway Administration.

OFFICE OF FINANCE & PROGRAM
MANAGEMENT
Gayle M. Seward, Director
(410) 333-1470

The Office of Finance and Program Management
was formed in 1964 as the Finance and Accounting
Division under the State Roads Commission. The
Office administers and coordinates daily financial op-
erations and long-term financial planning for the an-
nual program and operating budget of the State
Highway Administration.

OFFICE OF REAL ESTATE
Robert J. Finck, Director
(410) 333-1666

The Office of Real Estate dates from 1930, when
the Right of Way Department was created under the
State Roads Commission. The Office directs statewide
acquisition of land and relocation of people and busi-
nesses necessary for the construction of State High-
way Administration projects in the Consolidated
Transportation Program. The Office also leases prop-
erties of the State Highway Administration, sells ex-
cess land parcels, and licenses billboards and other
outdoor advertising along State highways.

OFFICE OF PLANNING & PRELIMINARY
ENGINEERING
Neil J. Pedersen, Director
(410) 333-1110

Created in 1985, the Office of Planning and
Preliminary Engineering directs and manages sys-
tems planning and project planning for the State
Highway Administration and develops the six-year
capital program of the Administration.