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Debt Program

The MDTA issues bonds supported by a pledge of toll revenues to finance portions of its capital program. The MDTA also issues conduit (non-recourse) debt for other transportation-related projects on behalf of the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT), which are not secured by a pledge of toll revenues.

Transportation Facilities Projects (TFP) Revenue Bonds

The MDTA's toll-backed revenue bonds are known as Transportation Facilities Projects (TFP) Revenue Bonds. The MDTA is subject to a legislatively enacted debt limit of $3 billion for bonds secured by toll revenues as of June 30 of any year.  Additionally, the MDTA is subject to Executive Order 01.01.1998.07 that requires an annual review and approval of planned State agency debt by the Maryland Department of Budget and Management.

All of the MDTA's toll-backed bonds are secured by a parity lien on system toll revenues under the master Trust Agreement. The Trust Agreement’s rate covenant requires that the MDTA fix, revise, charge and collect rentals, rates, fees, tolls and other charges and revenues for the use or services of the Transportation Facilities Projects in order to produce in each bond year Net Revenues in an amount not less than the sum of: (a) 120% of the Debt Service Requirement for outstanding bonds, and (b) 100% of the amount budgeted for deposits to the Maintenance and Operations (M&O) Reserve.

Rate Covenant Calculation
(Operating Revenues - Operating Expenses) divided by

(120% Debt Service Requirement + 100% budgeted for deposited to M&O) ≥ 1.0

Failure to achieve the rate covenant would require the trustee to legally compel the MDTA to adjust tolls and/or operating expenses to return to compliance.  The MDTA’s rate covenant has shown strong coverage, with net operating revenues well above the 1.00 times minimum coverage level. See ACFR - Debt Service Coverage and Rate Covenant Compliance – Revenue Bonds.

See Financial Forecast for prospective estimates.

As part of its Additional Bonds Test, prior to issuing any new debt, the MDTA must certify that the rate covenant has been met in the twelve consecutive months out of the proceeding eighteen-month period. In addition, the MDTA must certify on a prospective basis that the rate covenant will be met in the current bond year and in the fifth bond year following the completion date of a bond-financed additional project or project improvement.  The MDTA's bond year is July 1 to June 30.

The Board’s long-standing debt service coverage policy is more stringent than the Trust Agreement Rate Covenant.  The Debt Service Coverage minimum requires that projected Net Revenues exceed the Debt Service Requirement by at least two-times.

Debt Service Coverage Calculation
(Operating Revenues - Operating Expenses) divided by

(100% Debt Service Requirement) ≥ 2.0

Adherence to the minimum two-times debt service coverage supports goals to fund a portion of the capital program from net operating revenues and to maintain strong credit ratings, with access to the capital markets at the lowest possible financing rates.  All three major rating agencies have consistently rated the MDTA's toll-backed debt in the double-A category. These favorable ratings reflect prudent management practices, diversified system revenue pledge, strong debt service coverage, and unrestricted cash reserves.

Over time, credit factors that affect bond ratings can change due to market expectations and economic conditions. The MDTA posts credit rating changes through the Electronic Municipal Market Access System (EMMA), a public website maintained by the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board. In accordance with the requirements of various Continuing Disclosure Agreements, the MDTA posts additional notices/information at http://emma.msrb.org/. 

Non-Recourse Debt

Non-recourse debt is backed by revenue from transportation projects that are not toll related. For example, the MDTA financed projects at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and parking garages in Annapolis and Prince George's County, Maryland by issuing bonds that are secured by revenues associated with those projects. See ACFR - Non-Recourse Debt Outstanding.

MDTA has also issued debt specifically for the Intercounty Connector (ICC) project that was backed by Maryland's federal highway aid; these bonds are known as Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicles or GARVEE bonds.

The MDTA is a party to other individual Trust Agreements for each non-recourse debt issue.

The MDTA's debt issuances that are not backed by toll revenues.

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Public Calendar

Oct 31

MDTA Board Meeting - October 31, 2024

9 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the MDTA Board Meeting Homepage. The MDTA Board Meeting homepage also provides access to the meeting schedule, materials, agenda and minutes.

Nov 06

Capital Committee Meeting - November 6, 2024

9 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the Capital Committee Meeting Homepage. The Capital Committee Meeting homepage also provides access to the virtual meeting, schedule, agenda, materials and minutes.

Nov 07

Finance and Administration Committee Meeting - November 7, 2024

9 AM

Livestream

This public meeting is livestreamed and archived on the Finance and Administration Committee Meeting Homepage. The Finance Committee Meeting homepage also provides access to the virtual meeting, schedule, agenda, materials and minutes.

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