Jeff Folden, the deputy project manager of the public-private partnership for the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) stated at a Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) hearing on November 20 that MDOT has a computer model that “spits out the toll numbers.” You can listen to this statement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bAq921AtQY (scroll to 1:07:00).
In other words, MDOT has estimates of traffic levels and tolls for each roadway segment. This information is used to estimate the profit-and-loss of each roadway segment, using a model that calculates traffic levels and tolls.
But MDOT refuses to release these data to anyone – the Board of Public Works (BPW), M-NCPPC, legislators, or the general public. This is unacceptable. The BPW must not vote on the toll lane project until this information has been provided.
Governor Hogan claims that 70% of voters in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County support his plan. However, he is not telling people what the projected tolls will be. This is a completely deceptive and misleading poll: Poll numbers without toll numbers are meaningless!
Did you know? Rush hour tolls hit $72 in Virginia on December 18.
Once again, Comptroller Peter Franchot is the ‘swing vote’ on the BPW and his decision will be decisive. What to do?
Write to Comptroller Franchot:
Tell him:
There must be transparency from MDOT and insist on full disclosure of the critical information needed to make informed policy decisions.
The financial analyses that include estimates of what the tolls will be need to be made available.
Further consideration of the toll lane plan should be delayed until MDOT has provided full disclosure of essential information.
Use these points, or add more to share your thoughts in your own words. Be sure to include your home address in the email.
Thank you: Monday rally was a huge success
On Dec. 16, a frigid and stormy weekday evening, over 300 people (standing room only) came together for an emergency rally at the Silver Spring Civic Center.
State and local elected officials spoke against Governor Hogan’s proposed managed toll lane project. They derided its effect on homes, businesses, parklands, the environment, and its risks to state finances and Maryland taxpayers.
Among the many prominent speakers, Senator Susan Lee, Delegate Julian Ivey, and Delegate Jared Solomon discussed legislation they would be introducing in the 2020 General Assembly. Montgomery County officials denounced the expensive toll lanes that would be available only to the wealthiest residents and the impact the roads would have on communities and neighborhoods.
The speakers praised the efforts of organizations and community activists who have spoken out, rallied, and written letters and e-mails to the Governor, MDOT, the Comptroller, and others voicing their opposition to the proposal. Representatives of these organizations, including DontWiden270.org also spoke during the rally, emphasizing their continuing commitment to fighting the project.
MoCo Council awards citation to DontWiden270.org
Sidney Katz and Tom Hucker, president and vice president of the Montgomery County Council, presented a citation to Dontwiden270 at the Dec. 16 rally. The citation reads "The Montgomery County Council awards this citation to DontWiden270.org in recognition of its commitment to protecting our homes and neighborhoods by working to stop Governor Hogan's plans to widen 270."
State seeks access to 3,700 properties for survey work in advance of highway expansion
The State Highway Administration (SHA) has sent letters to 3,717 homeowners in the I-495 and I-270 corridor informing them that surveyors may access their property. According to SHA, the surveyors need access to individual lots to “gain a better understanding of land use, environmental conditions, and cultural resources.”
State Delegate Al Carr has tried unsuccessfully, so far, to get more information from SHA. Read more at https://www.facebook.com/297913220669359/posts/836231740170835/?d=n
Delegate Marc Korman’s take on taxpayer risk from the proposed P3
Delegate Marc Korman is chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and the Environment in the Maryland General Assembly. He has posted an important message about financial risk from the Governor’s plan.
Read more about his message at: https://www.facebook.com/519017604812366/posts/2719953238052114/?d=n
Montgomery County Council member Tom Hucker’s petition
Council member Tom Hucker has set up a petition to tell the Board of Public Works (BPW) not to approve the Governor’s plan to widen I-270 and I-495. To sign the petition, go to:
https://sign.moveon.org/petitions/dont-approve-the-i-495i
Press coverage continues to increase
News media (newspapers, magazines, radio, TV, social media) are steadily increasing their coverage of the managed toll lane boondoggle. Check out coverage of our lead stories on our Media Archives website tab.
Get your friends and neighbors to sign on to our e-mail list
Tell them that this is a great way to stay current on what’s happening with the highway widening project and how they can help fight this boondoggle. Go to https://dontwiden270.org/get-involved to sign up.
And check out our website dontwiden270.org with our Spanish language tab for more: https://dontwiden270.org/en-espanol
Have a Question or Comment? Want a speaker for your community?
Email us at contactdontwiden270@gmail.com .
Want a Yard Sign?
Raise your voice and draw attention to Dontwiden270 with these colorful, two-sided yard signs! Order here.