For Immediate Release: Monday, December 16, 2019
Tonight, Monday Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.
Silver Spring Civic Building
Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall
1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Silver Spring, Md., Dec. 16, 2019—The Maryland Department of Transportation has proposed amendments to the controversial $11 billion I-495 Beltway/I-270 widening project. If passed, the amendments would allow the state to take properties before environmental review; backtrack on the promise to share revenue for transit; change the project phasing and expedite the construction schedule.
Montgomery County Council President Sidney Katz and Vice President Tom Hucker have called an emergency rally to speak out against the negative impact the amendments would have. The rally will be held this evening, Monday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Silver Spring Civic Building’s Buffalo Soldiers Great Hall.
“We must make it clear to the State that we will not stand idly by while they backtrack on promises they made. The negative environmental impact of this project must be properly assessed and mitigated and the cost sharing agreements cannot be unilaterally changed. These amendments and this approach is just plain unacceptable,” said Council President Sidney Katz.
Council Vice President Tom Hucker said, “Vast public concern over the project this summer resulted in much-needed scrutiny and important protections for taxpayers. MDOT’s reckless amendments would further erode the public’s trust, and only increase opposition. We continue to hope that MDOT will change its perspective, and start collaborating with local governments.”
The following elected officials and representatives from organizations are expected to participate in the rally including:
For more information, contact Councilmember.Hucker@montgomerycountymd.gov or call 240-777-7960.
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Release ID: 19-397