Contact: David Weaver or Esther Bowring, 240-777-6530
For Immediate Release: November 29, 2001

Duncan Applauds Transportation Panel's
Support of the ICC and Purple Line

In a letter to Planning Board Chairman Arthur Holmes, Jr., Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan applauded the Transportation Policy Report Task Force's (TPR) endorsement of a balanced transportation approach, which included transit projects such as an enhanced Ride On bus system, a new Metrorail Purple Line, a transit connection to Rock Spring Park, the Corridors City transitway, and much needed road projects such as the Inter-County Connector, the Montrose Parkway, widening of I-270 north of Quince Orchard Road with HOV lanes, and other road improvements.

"Unless we immediately undertake the major transportation projects recommended by the TPR, gridlock will reach new, unimaginable levels, seriously jeopardizing the quality of life of our citizens," said Duncan. "Over 60 percent of the broadly represented TPR made recommendations that are clear - address our transportation requirements in a comprehensive manner that will help us meet the needs of the future."

Duncan congratulated the TPR on their dedication and commitment. Over the last 18 months, the Task Force has been charged with finding workable solutions to the County's transportation challenges by evaluating alternative land use/transportation scenarios and implementation strategies.

The TPR will present their findings to the Planning Board at a meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. Citizens who would like to testify on the TPR's recommendations may do so at a public hearing scheduled for December 6 at 7:30 p.m. by signing up in advance. Both meetings will be held in the Montgomery Regional Office Auditorium at 8787 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring. For more information about tonight's meeting or next week's public hearing, contact the Planning Board at 301-495-2118.

November 28, 2001

Chairman Arthur Holmes, Jr.
Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
8787 Georgia Avenue
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Dear Chairman Holmes:

As the work of the Transportation Policy Report Task Force (TPR) comes to an end, I want to congratulate you and your staff for your good work, and express my gratitude for the dedication and commitment of the Task Force members. The results of the Task Force's hard work were well worth the effort - I'm delighted that nearly two-thirds of the TPR supported a balanced transportation plan that includes major transit and road initiatives.

A majority of the TPR voted to support transit projects such as an enhanced Ride On bus system, the Purple Line, the Corridors City Transitway and a transit connection to Rock Spring Park. This same majority also recommended much needed road projects, including the Inter-County Connector, the Montrose Parkway, widening of I-270 north of Quince Orchard Road with HOV lanes, several grade-separated interchanges in different areas of the county, and a number of other road improvements.

Last week, an article in The Washington Post described the commute in the Washington region as among the worst in the nation for commuting times. And, unfortunately, the situation for drivers in this region is only getting worse. Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission projections indicate that by 2025 the number of households in the county will grow by 30 percent and employment by nearly 40 percent. Unless we immediately undertake the major transportation projects recommended by the TPR, gridlock will reach new, unimaginable levels, seriously jeopardizing the quality of life of our citizens. For example, it is projected that by 2020, segments of the Capital Beltway could experience up to 16 hours of daily congestion.

The recommendations of the TPR are clear - address our transportation requirements in a comprehensive manner that will help us meet the needs of the future. As you hear from citizens and organizations at upcoming public hearings, I hope you will keep in mind that over 60 percent of the broadly represented TPR recommended transportation improvements that will help us achieve a better tomorrow.

Sincerely,

Douglas M. Duncan
County Executive

cc: Montgomery County Council President Blair Ewing
Task Force Co-Chair Samuel Raker
Task Force Co-Chair Stanley Schiff