Statement
Statement from Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich Regarding Governor Hogan’s Traffic Relief Announcement for Washington Capital Region
For Immediate Release: Friday 3 January
I applaud the announcement by the State to revise the plans for I-495 and I-270. This news means that the project will move forward with local input and collaboration with our transportation staff and that the needs of local communities will be reflected in the design of this project. This changed plan puts a stronger emphasis on public transit, including a funding stream for transit projects; begins work at the American Legion bridge - which as I’ve said is the place to begin, and will be built within existing boundaries. It also includes relief for congestion north of I-370 up to Frederick.
I want to thank Comptroller Peter Franchot for working with the Governor and his Transportation Secretary-designee Greg Slater. I also want to thank State Treasurer Nancy Kopp for her support and Chair of the Council’s Transportation & Environment Committee Tom Hucker, Council President Sidney Katz, State Delegates Marc Korman and Jared Solomon and the many other elected leaders in our County who have been working on this issue. Additional note of thanks to the many elected leaders in Prince George’s County who have joined us in our efforts. And of course, I want to thank the residents across the County who have been unrelenting in their advocacy.
Although many details remain to be worked out, the revisions represent substantial movement by MDOT toward a project that deals with major traffic congestion, is more closely aligned with Montgomery County’s master plans and has the potential to be far more environmentally responsible. I look forward to working with the Governor and his staff.
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Release ID: 20-001