You Have Made a Difference!
At a recent Citizens Against Beltway Expansion (CABE) town hall, county and state legislators emphasized that public advocacy has exerted considerable influence on the I-495 and I-270 P3 project. This advocacy has resulted in significant changes, for example, requiring 10 percent of future toll revenues to fund mass transit. It was emphasized that we need to continue to make our voices heard.
Gov. Hogan’s Spending Freeze Does Not Apply to P3 Project
Despite the pandemic, Governor Hogan and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) are still planning to push this project forward on the previously proposed timeline. In fact, the spring 2020 P3 Project Newsletter states that “MDOT remains committed to advancing all efforts associated with the I-495 & I-270 Public-Private Partnership (P3) Program during the COVID-19 emergency..."
A Pause is Needed
We and our coalition of advocates believe MDOT must pause this project until after the coronavirus pandemic subsides. The global pandemic makes long-term planning impossible. There is no need to complete the project within the previous timeframe since it is unclear what the long-term effects of the pandemic will be on the regional economy and commuting behavior.
Teleworking May Reduce Congestion Permanently
Tens of thousands of people are now teleworking. Many are finding it efficient and may ultimately prefer it to commuting. Employers are also seeing its benefits. I-270 and I-495 are not congested now. Although some people will resume commuting when allowed, others will continue to work from home. The effectiveness of the P3 project to reduce congestion was already disputed by many studies, and now the very congestion is in question.
P3 Process Should Be Put On Hold
During this time of unprecedented health and fiscal emergency, the State should immediately redeploy employees working on the P3 program and put the P3 bidding process on hold. There must be time to consider whether the $11 billion plan to widen I-495 and I-270 is really reflective of future needs and if the project as designed will be relevant for the future. The Managed Lanes decision will affect the region and the State of Maryland for decades into the future. MDOT needs to develop a timeout plan, including reprioritizing processes now and continuously as things change over time.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Draft is Due for Release
An EIS, mandated by federal law for certain projects, outlines the impact of a proposed project on its surrounding environment, including potential impacts to socioeconomic, cultural, and natural resources. An environmental decision document under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) must be approved by the Federal Highway Administration before final design and construction can begin.
The Public Comment Period for Draft Environmental Impact Statement Needs to be Extended
A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lane Study is currently scheduled for public review in spring 2020, followed by a series of public hearings in the summer of 2020. Comment periods for all DEISs must extend for 45 days after the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) publication of the Notice of Availability in the Federal Register. MDOT has said they believe in-person public hearings are important. Although there has been discussion about the amount of time between releasing the DEIS and holding public hearings, MDOT has not announced a plan to extend the public comment period.
ACTION ITEM
Dontwiden270.org believes MDOT needs to acknowledge the current covid-19 situation. We are calling for a “pause” on this P3 Project. But the DEIS is reportedly just days away from being released.
Obviously, public meetings cannot take place under current conditions. Write MDOT Secretary Greg Slater and tell him that there must be a long and extensive comment period to allow Maryland residents to focus on and effectively participate in the consequential decisions related to the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lane Study. The public must be given sufficient time to review the DEIS analysis and comment on the project and express concerns about associated environmental impacts.