As National Governors Association Chair, Maryland Governor to explore Australia’s approach to paying for infrastructure

Washington - Maryland Governor Larry Hogan will lead an infrastructure study mission to Australia Sept. 22-25 in support of his initiative as National Governors Association (NGA) chair, Infrastructure: Foundation for Success, exploring Australia’s innovative approaches to investing in critical infrastructure and lessons for U.S. states.

Gov. Hogan is expected to be joined by Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera of Colorado and high-level officials from Washington and Louisiana on the trip. The U.S. delegation has meetings planned with Michael McCormack, the deputy prime minister of Australia and minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development, and with South Australia Premier Steven Marshall, who chairs the Council for the Australian Federation. Gov. Hogan plans to meet with New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian.

In addition to discussing ideas and solutions for infrastructure needs, the American and Australian leaders will discuss opportunities for economic partnerships that benefit both countries, as well as building and reinforcing relationships among subnational leaders.

“Australia and the United States are the closest of friends and allies, with economic, cultural and geopolitical relationships that strengthen both countries and the world,” said Gov. Hogan. “As part of my national infrastructure initiative, our bipartisan delegation will exchange ideas and innovations to modernize our roads, bridges, transit and ports in order to meet the needs of the 21st century.”

The trip to Australia is the first of three international study tours planned as part of Gov. Hogan’s initiative, Infrastructure: Foundation for Success, which he announced in July upon becoming NGA chair. Additional trips are planned to Canada and Japan. Gov. Hogan led an Infrastructure Stakeholder Summit in Boston, Massachusetts, in August, which examined solutions to traffic congestion.

In Australia, Gov. Hogan and other state participants plan to visit Port Botany, the WestConnex civil works project and Sydney Metro’s Martin Place Station to learn about innovative tools Australia uses to finance major infrastructure projects.

The trade mission and study tour is expected to begin Sept. 22 and conclude Sept. 25, with all meetings and site visits in or near Sydney.