The M-NCPPC votes unanimously not to sign off on the P3 proposal
The Maryland National Capital Parks and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) voted 9-0 on November 20 to reject Governor Hogan’s P3 proposal to add toll lanes to I-495 and I-270. M-NCPPC ’s vote is important because it controls parkland that MDOT needs for the highway expansion.
The M-NCPPC commissioners repeated comments from their previous meeting in June that they need more information about the plan’s finances and environmental impacts. They also insisted that significant transit options be included in any proposal.
Following the meeting, there was even discussion that local officials might sue to prevent the State from acquiring public parkland.
Meanwhile, Lisa Choplin, the SHA project director, said the rejection would not prevent the toll plan from moving forward.
For more information, read Citizens Against Beltway Expansion (CABE) commentary on DW270 (edited for length) or the November 21 CABE commentary (additional discussion).
Dontwiden270.org Recent Legislative Conversations
Dontwiden270.org leaders have been meeting with state legislators in anticipation of the opening of the Maryland General Assembly on January 8, 2020.
On November 19, Don’t Widen 270 and officials from the city of Rockville held a meeting withDelegate Kumar Barve, Chair of the HouseEnvironment and Transportation Committee. We emphasized that Governor Hogan's flawed P3 plan is not only an important issue for his constituents but also a threat to the state’s fiscal and economic health.
Delegate Barve stated that his staff is investigating what legislation would be feasible under existing P3 law. There was also considerable discussion about financing issues.
Also, Delegate Barve said he was working with Delegate Marc Korman to find out whether anything can be done about the P3 through the Legislature’s budget authority.
November 20 was the annual Joint House and Senate Priorities Hearing of theMontgomery County Delegationto the General Assembly. A number of Donwiden270 membersgave testimony opposing the Governor’s P3 plan. Legislators were asked to support bills that would prevent this plan from going forward.
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