Congressman Anthony Brown Helps Stop Ill-Conceived Beltway Expansion In Prince George's County, Most Of Montgomery Count

Statement

Congressman Anthony G. Brown (MD-04), the sole Maryland delegation member on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, released the following statement on the announced cancellation of phase 2 and 3 of Maryland's I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study (MLS) which would have added new toll lanes to the Capital Beltway:

"The announcement that Governor Hogan and the Maryland Department of Transportation are retreating from phase 2 and 3 of the ill-conceived plan to add toll lanes along much of the Capital Beltway is positive news, but our work isn't finished. Governor Hogan and his administration should work with local leaders to develop forward-looking, better solutions to address our region's congestion issues, that respect the concerns of local communities and lay the foundation for smarter growth in our state.

"This is a significant win for the local advocates and communities who made their voices and opposition heard for nearly four years. But we need a long-term vision for Maryland's transportation future. We cannot tackle traffic congestion and climate change or improve mobility and livability for our residents with old ideas. As we look to make transformational investments in our nation's infrastructure, we must continue to prioritize 21st-century multi-modal transportation solutions that take cars off the road, ensure equity and opportunity, while complimenting the lives of all Marylanders."

On Monday, Congressman Brown met with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and Acting Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration Stephanie Pollack detailing concerns with Maryland's I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study (MLS) following a letter from Congressman Brown calling for reconsideration of the project. On Tuesday, the Maryland Congressional Delegation met with Maryland Transportation Secretary Greg Slater to discuss regional transportation concerns including the Beltway/I-270 toll lane project. Congressman Brown has continued to engage with constituents and local leaders concerned with the toll lane project at various town halls, community meetings and rallies since 2017.

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