After decades of studies, legal challenges and delays, construction of the Intercounty Connector (ICC) began last year. The Maryland Chamber continues to fight to keep this critical, and long-overdue, transportation project moving forward.

During the last week, Maryland Chamber President & CEO Kathy Snyder has submited testimony three times in opposition to legislation that would eliminate funding or further delay construction of the ICC. Legislation under consideration includes:

• HB 1471: Legislation to prohibit the Maryland Department of Transportation from funding the ICC.
• HB 1416: Legislation to make financing contingent on yet another environmental study.
• HB 1505: Legislation to prohibit ICC funding until an assessment is completed to quantify public health impacts from air pollution.

The ICC has received the necessary federal and state approvals. A $370 million mitigation and stewardship package fully compensates for unavoidable impacts to the natural and human environment. In November 2007, a federal court judge denied legal attempts by environmental groups to stop ICC construction. Maryland Transportation Secretary John D. Porcari said, “The court’s decision validates the unprecedented scope of the environmental analysis and mitigation undertaken by the state and federal agencies involved in moving the ICC forward.”

“The Maryland Chamber has supported the construction of the ICC and worked in concert with the State, and with other business organizations, to ensure funding for this important project,” Snyder said. “This long overdue project is critical to economic growth, not only for Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, but for all of Maryland.”

Related:

• Washington Post - ICC: Opponents Want Legislature to Halt Construction