January 5, 2004

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Ehrlich's ICC tour draws criticism on the project's high cost

While Governor Ehrlich visited sites today along the proposed alignments for the Intercounty Connector (ICC) citizens and environmental groups noted that the project would cost Maryland taxpayers more than $60 million a year for 30 years, draining the stateÕs ability to invest in crucial transportation improvements.

"Maryland can't afford the ICC," said Neal Fitzpatrick, executive director of the Audubon Naturalist Society and long-time opponent of the ICC.

"This highway is an ill-conceived idea that would lead to less money for badly needed transit, less money to maintain and improve our current roads, and less money for important transportation projects across the state for the next three decades," added Fitzpatrick.

Citizen, environmental and smart growth groups are concerned about Governor Ehrlich's plan to borrow $1 billion dollars to finance the proposed ICC in the form of aGARVEE bond, which borrows money against future, unknown federal transportation allocations to Maryland.

"GARVEE bonds are too risky, and the ICC just costs too much. Governor Ehlrich wants to use our children's transportation dollars now, with no concern for how we will pay for the range of transportation solutions we will need in decades to come," Fitzpatrick said.

Dan Wallace, co-chair of Montgomery Intercounty Connector Coalition, a citizen group opposing the ICC, added that while the state claims the ICC will cost $1.7 billion, estimates that include high financing costs bring the figure to nearly $3 billion.

Opponents of the ICC plan note that studies have shown the ICC would provide no significant traffic relief, making such a huge debt even less justifiable.

"Instead of plunging the state's transportation budget into debt for 30 years, we should focus on responsibly investing in a range of solutions to address traffic problems, including investing in transit, taking simple measures to improve existing roads, and bringing jobs and homes closer together in livable, walkable communities," said Wallace.

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