Take Action on the DEIS
Send a Comment to MDOT by November 9
Public comments about the draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), https://495-270-p3.com/DEIS/#DEIS, are a key to protecting our communities, environment and wallets.
Go to the DEIS Comment Form at https://495-270-p3.com/your-participation/provide-feedback/ to tell the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) that you oppose adding toll lanes to I-495 and I-270. The deadline to submit comments is November 9.
Make sure to tell MDOT that “I oppose the I-495 and I-270 project. I support the no-build option”. Saying/writing this will ensure that MDOT counts you among those who are opposed to expanding these highways.
Tell your own story, explaining why you oppose the MDOT toll lanes. Perhaps it’s because:
Taxpayers must pay as much as $1 billion in subsidies to the tollway contractor. (DEIS Chapter 2, pages 48 and 49,)
WSSC customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s County could pay up to $2 billion to move water and sewer lines. (https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/moving-pipes-to-add-toll-lanes-to-beltway-i-270-will-cost-up-to-2-billion-wssc-says/2020/03/12/0d0f89fe-6406-11ea-acca-80c22bbee96f_story.html)
The draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) shows that traffic congestion on I-270 north will be worse after lanes are added. (DEIS Appendix C, page 124,)
There will be 4-5 years of worse traffic during construction on each segment of the project. (DEIS Chapter 4, page 157)
It would harm 45 public parks and open spaces, including Greenbelt Park, Sligo Creek Park, Rock Creek Park, Woottons Mill Park, Cabin John Regional Park and Cherry Hill Road Park. (DEIS Chapter 4, pages 20-21)
The DEIS shows that the project will increase air pollution including increased particulate matter, carbon monoxide, ozone, nitrous dioxide and global warming emissions. (DEIS Chapter 4, pages 58 to 63 and https://www.sierraclub.org/sites/www.sierraclub.org/files/sce-authors/u18365/Outline%20of%20Key%20Issues%20Draft%20EIS%208.13.2020.pdf )
It will increase dirty stormwater runoff that will harm our creeks, streams and rivers. (DEIS Chapter 4, pages 90-91 and June 8, 2020 staff memo to Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission, page 10, http://www.mncppc.org/DocumentCenter/View/14719/5d-I-495-and-I-270-Managed-Lanes-Study----DEIS-Comments?bidId= )
Increased stormwater runoff could increase flooding risks for communities near the highways. (See DEIS Chapter 2, pages 38-39; the plan would provide for limited on-site mitigation of runoff)
Over 50 acres of wetlands could be negatively impacted. (DEIS Executive Summary, page 17, https://495-270-p3.com/deis/#DEIS )
The DEIS fails to examine alternatives such as transit options, traffic management or the ICC (MD Route 200) alternative proposed by Montgomery County.
Widening highways never work to reduce congestion because they draw more cars to the highway over time. (See Melo PC, Graham DJ, Canavan S., Effects of Road Investments on Economic Output and Induced Travel Demand: Evidence for Urbanized Areas in the United States, Transportation Research Record, 2297(1), 163 (2012))
The DEIS fails to consider how increased telework could lead to long term reductions in traffic.
Send a Copy to Comptroller Franchot
Maryland State Comptroller Peter Franchot must decide whether to allow MDOT to move forward with this project. After you’ve submitted your comments to MDOT, send them to Comptroller Franchot at aklase@marylandtaxes.gov. Let him know you oppose the project.
Volunteer
Join our effort by leaving pre-printed cards at doors in nearby neighborhoods or taking other actions. Sign up to volunteer at contactdontwiden270@gmail.com.
Donate
Please help support our campaign by making a donation to Citizens Against Beltway Expansion (CABE) at the link below. Please make your contribution, dedicated to the door hanger campaign, through the CABE PayPal link:
All funds will go to printing and mailing.
CABE will fully account for all contributions.
Return to DEIS resources