Political Squabbling Over Suburban Beltway Transit Line In D.C.

Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich may be trying to sabotage a controversial proposed transit line in suburban Maryland to hide the fact there may not be any money left for it, according to the former chair of the Metro Advisory Board.

1 minute read

July 17, 2006, 8:00 AM PDT

By Christian Madera @http://www.twitter.com/cpmadera

Recently fired Metro Advisory Board Chairman Robert J. Smith alleges that Governor Robert Ehrlich is "leading a prolonged attempt to obfuscate, alter, study and delay" the approval process for the Bi-County Transitway, a proposed 14-mile transit line connecting the inner Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C. According to Smith, "Maryland's transportation needs are overwhelming and grossly underfunded," causing the controversial transitway to lose priority to the InterCounty Connector, a three-billion-dollar toll road that was recently approved by Ehrlich after an expedited review process.

Maryland's Secretary of Transportation, Robert L. Flanagan asserts that "...the facts demonstrate Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr.'s strong commitment not only to building this project but also to solving many associated community impact issues...Two key projects -- transit centers at Silver Spring and Takoma/Langley Park -- are fully funded and scheduled to start construction within months, representing an initial investment of $87 million."

Thanks to Dan Reed

FULL STORY: Will the Purple Line Be Built?

Sunday, July 16, 2006 in The Washington Post

Transportation Maryland

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.