Board Approves Contract On 2 I-95 Travel Plazas

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- The Board of Public Works has approved a 35-year contract for a Miami-based company to run two travel plazas by Interstate 95.

The board voted 2-1 on Wednesday for the contract with Areas USA to operate and redevelop the aging facilities.

Areas will invest $56 million under the terms of the contract to rebuild the travel plazas in a public-private partnership through
2047.

The state will retain ownership and oversight while receiving revenue over the course of the agreement estimated to be more than
$400 million.

The travel plaza known as Maryland House in Harford County is 48 years old. The other, Chesapeake House in Cecil County, is 36 years old.

The board includes Gov. Martin O'Malley, Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot, who voted against the contract.