In case you missed it, Friday’s Gazette of Politics and Business included an op-ed by Carol Arscott entitled “Has commitment to ICC gone out the door with Ehrlich administration?” The commentary took a closer look at recent developments surrounding the much-needed, long-overdue Intercounty Connector (ICC).

Tomorrow, the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee will hear SB 73, legislation that would defer the scheduled $53 million repayment from the General Fund to the Transportation Trust Fund for the ICC. The Maryland Chamber of Commerce is not weighing in on this legislation, but that doesn’t mean the ICC is any less of a priority for the Chamber.

The Chamber sought assurances from Governor O’Malley that the Administration remains committed to the ICC. As you can see from this letter, from the Governor to Senate Budget and taxation Committee Chairman Sen. Ulysses Currie (D-Dist 25), Governor O’Malley states that:

• He is committed to building the ICC.
• The deferral will not impact the ICC construction timetable.
• The entire $265 million borrowed from the TTF in 2005 will be repaid by 2010

Constructing the ICC remains a Maryland Chamber priority. We will continue our efforts to advocate increased transportation and transit funding to move critical projects like the ICC forward. If you have questions regarding our transportation priorities, or if you want to get involved in our Transportation Coalition, contact Heather Hamilton at hhamilton@mdchamber.org.