While in the legislature, he monitored the end of the United States Naval Training Center Bainbridge and environmental issues concerning the new Peach Bottom Nuclear Generating Station.
In 1958, Burkley co-sponsored a bill to ensure equal access to public facilities in Maryland.
[2][4] After leaving the House of Delegates, Burkley served as chairman of the Maryland Transportation Commission.
He helped develop the Upper Chesapeake Corporate Center and worked to attract employers to Cecil County, including the office equipment manufacturer Konica and W. L. Gore & Associates.
[2] He was a member of Cecil County's Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission during Governor Parris Glendening's term.