Letter to Governor Hogan - Invest In Fixing The Baltimore-Washington Parkway, Not Building Toll Lanes

Letter

Dear Governor Hogan:

Thank you for your recent letter supporting the transfer of the federally owned portion of the Baltimore-Washington (B-W) Parkway from the National Park Service (NPS) to the State of Maryland. I appreciate your commitment to reducing congestion on our highways and improving the quality of life for more Marylanders.

The B-W Parkway is a critical piece of our state's infrastructure network and is an important regional artery that tens of thousands of working families rely on every day. Unfortunately due to decades of disregard and disrepair, drivers are subjected to hazardous roadway conditions and frustrating amounts of traffic congestion. As a member of both the House Natural Resources Committee and Transportation and Infrastructure Committee - which have primary jurisdiction over this matter, I am committed to pushing the Trump Administration to fix these deficiencies and make much needed investments to accommodate greater traffic volume and ensure every person can depend on the B-W Parkway to get to school, work or home to their families.

Questions regarding the ownership and management of the B-W Parkway have been long debated in Annapolis and Washington, with any expansion potentially impacting the ability of the NPS to operate and maintain the corridor within its current legislative mandate. While we must resolve these questions as we develop both a short and long-term plan for the Parkway, I cannot support any Congressional action to remove the B-W Parkway from the National Park System if the only plan is to build new toll lanes.

We must consider a wide array of options for addressing traffic and transportation needs on the B-W Parkway itself and in the region, including examining widening of the Parkway and other highways, traffic management, and options for the use of multiple travel modes such as high occupancy vehicle lanes, bus-only lanes or bus rapid transit. We must also consider possible expansion of commuter rail and construction of high-speed alternatives. Families should not face additional financial burdens on the Parkway, nor should we pursue options that will not lead to permanent congestion relief or benefit drivers of all income levels.

I look forward to discussing a more comprehensive proposal for the B-W Parkway, as well as your other ideas for improving mobility and infrastructure in the region. I am confident we will find a resolution that does right by the citizens of both Maryland and our country.

Sincerely,

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