Once again, this issue of My Backyard is largely devoted to the proposed Intercounty Connector (ICC). This controversial highway project has been repeatedly rejected for over four decades, largely for its failure to pass environmental laws and regulations. Little has changed in that regard -- the ICC would be as environmentally destructive today as it was when the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was halted in 1997. The ICC would be prohibitively expensive, a waste of public dollars that could be better spent elsewhere, such as improving education. The fiscal crisis in Maryland can be seen in skyrocketing tuition at Maryland's public colleges, rising property taxes, increased user fees, and reduced services. Add to that this thought: we are hearing that much of the cost of the ICC would be borne by the public through the use of tolls or user fees, and possibly higher taxes.

Previous ICC studies have demonstrated that building the ICC would not improve traffic congestion on I-95 or the Beltway, and that traffic on local community roads would worsen. Air pollution would increase, and, if built on the Master Plan Alignment, the damage to our stream valleys and wetlands would be horrific. These findings are supported in the 1997 DEIS and by the reviewing federal agencies.

What's different since the last go-round of studies? The answer is nothing and everything. Nothing has changed from an environmental standpoint. Building the ICC would be tantamount to declaring war on the environment. The prohibitive cost hasn't been reduced; in fact, it is likely to grow. What has changed is the political balance in support of the project. The political forces supporting the highway have enabled the perception that the construction of this highway is inevitable. There are powerful forces aligned politically who are pressing hard to build the ICC as fast as possible while "all the stars are aligned," that is while the political support exists prior to the next election. Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich has declared publicly that there will be shovels in the ground prior to the completion of his term. President Bush's Transportation Secretary approved a fast-track review of the ICC project, a highly unusual move for a project so steeped in controversy and doubt. Development business interests heavily financed the campaigns of the Montgomery County Executive and pro-ICC County Council candidates, and as a result there is now, for the first time, a majority of elected Montgomery County officials supporting the highway.

As we report elsewhere in this issue, some of our public officials appear to retain little objectivity with respect to the final decision and outcome of the project. Public declarations as to when, not if, the ICC will be built reveal an attitude, be it arrogance or ignorance, that the study process is nothing more than a nuisance, an inconvenient wicket in the ICC's path. We must ensure the fairness and integrity of the entire process is maintained, that all laws are observed and adhered to. Whatever decision is reached on whether or not to build the ICC, it is crucial that public confidence in the process is unblemished.

And frankly, I am already worried. Worried because the draft Purpose and Need does not address studying non-highway alternatives for relieving traffic congestion. Worried because the Governor has bragged that his personal relationship with President Bush will help reach what he would consider to be a favorable outcome. Worried that the study area is limited (for example, Rte. 32, a logical choice to study for improving accessibility to BWI, is not in the current study plans). Worried that the Maryland Transportation Secretary's charter from the Governor is to build this road where no others have before him. Worried that environmental laws and good land use policies and practices will be brushed aside in a fast-track frenzy to start the project.

This newsletter will keep you informed on the latest developments as we know them. The study alignments are supposed to be released in November. If you're against the ICC, let your elected representatives know. Whether you're for or against the ICC, let your elected representatives know you demand a process that is fair, rigorous, and of the highest integrity. The issue of whether or not to build the highway should be decided on its merits in the context of the laws of our land. It should not be built solely because powerful politicians want it.

Robert Ferraro,
EOPB President