Bethesda and Tysons, in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Fairfax County, Virginia, respectively, look like neighbors on a map, but they lack a direct transit route. That could change.

Libby Solomon reports on a transit study underway in Fairfax and Montgomery counties that will consider the possibilities for bus connections between the two counties separated by the Potomac River.
"The transit study is a joint endeavor by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)," reports Solomon.
Already available for public scrutiny are eight preliminary route options. "In Montgomery County, potential routes could serve Bethesda, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Silver Spring or Frederick. Of those routes, all but one would route through or end at Tysons."
Both states are also studying a plan to add capacity to the American Legion Bridge, which could include transit.

National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
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A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.

Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.

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Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
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