Public Record
Transportation and Andy Harris
He talks up rural mobility and Eastern Shore connectivity. His votes repeatedly oppose the funding streams that actually repair bridges, modernize ports, expand mobility options, and harden routes against flooding.
What Harris says publicly
On his official transportation and infrastructure pages—and in public remarks—Andy Harris presents himself as a defender of rural mobility and Eastern Shore connectivity. His messaging emphasizes:
- Supporting roads, bridges, and ports critical to rural economies
- Reducing federal red tape around infrastructure projects
- Protecting local control over transportation decisions
- Standing up for the Eastern Shore against “one-size-fits-all” federal mandates
His rhetoric frames transportation as essential to commerce, safety, and quality of life—especially in rural districts like Maryland’s First.
Voting record
Where Harris has supported Eastern Shore transportation
Delivered $8 million for Eastern Shore freight rail upgrades
Harris secured $8 million for the Enhancing Eastern Shore Freight Rail Growth and Reliability Project, repairing MDOT Centreville 9 and Chestertown freight rail lines in Kent and Queen Anne's Counties. (Source: MDOT — Rail programs; Congress.gov — FY2026 Transportation Appropriations)
Secured $40 million for replacement dredging vessel
Harris led a bipartisan coalition to secure $40 million for a new shallow-draft dredging vessel for the Army Corps of Engineers — replacing an aging vessel whose maintenance failures had repeatedly stalled navigation channel dredging at the Ocean City Inlet and other Maryland waterways. (Source: Dredging Today — Harris dredge)
Secured $9 million to upgrade fire and rescue infrastructure in Baltimore County
Harris secured $9 million through the FY2026 Transportation Appropriations bill to upgrade the Middle River Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company in Baltimore County, including a new fire station and ladder truck. (Source: Congress.gov — FY2026 Transportation Appropriations; Baltimore County Fire Department)
Where Harris has opposed transportation investments
Voted against the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
Harris voted against the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act — the largest federal infrastructure investment in decades, which funded roads, bridges, broadband, water systems, and rail across Maryland, including Eastern Shore projects. (Source: GovTrack — Harris votes)
Opposed Route 301 safety improvements for Eastern Shore commuters
Harris was aware of dangerous at-grade intersections on Route 301 created by increased traffic after toll road construction but limited his response to writing a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Transportation — stopping short of securing funding or legislation to address the safety hazard. (Source: myeasternshoremd.com — Harris visits Eastern Shore delegation)
Voted against emergency relief for infrastructure damaged by Superstorm Sandy
Harris voted against emergency Sandy relief in 2012, which would have funded infrastructure repairs in Crisfield and other Shore communities damaged by the storm. (Source: Common Sense Eastern Shore)
Impact on transportation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Rural isolation
Cuts to transit and infrastructure spending hit rural areas first—where private alternatives don’t exist and distances are long.
Economic drag
Poor roads, unreliable bridges, and underfunded ports slow commerce, tourism, and agriculture shipments.
Safety risks
Deferred maintenance increases accident risks, emergency response times, and evacuation failures during extreme weather.
Public Statements and Voting Record
Bottom line: Public Statements and Voting Record
Where he has supported Eastern Shore transportation
- Delivered $8M for Eastern Shore freight rail upgrades
- Secured $40M for new dredging vessel protecting waterway navigation
- Secured $9M for fire and rescue infrastructure in Baltimore County
Where he has opposed transportation investments
- Voted against bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
- Limited action on dangerous Route 301 intersections
- Voted against Sandy emergency infrastructure relief (2012)