NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tuesday, April 9th, 2019
Media Contact: Josh Tulkin, 650-722-3171, Josh.Tulkin@mdsierra.org
Advocates Demand Explanation For Senate’s Failure To Vote On Legislation To Provide Financial And Environmental Safeguards For Expansion Of 495 And 270
Advocates and elected officials voiced frustration that the Maryland Senate failed to call a vote on a bill that would place critical safeguards on public-private partnerships (P3’s), including the I-495 and I-270 expansion proposal at the close of the Maryland General Assembly’s 2019 legislative session. The “P3 Transportation Safeguard Act” would have required a financial and environmental evaluation of proposed P3 projects prior to locking down the details of long term contracts.
The bill sponsored by Delegate Solomon, was passed in the House before Crossover date with plenty of time to be held for a vote in the Budget & Taxation Committee. Despite passing by a veto-proof majority in the House, support from the Prince George’s and Montgomery County Councils, and a majority of confirmed YES votes in the Budget and Taxation Committee, Chairwoman Nancy King never brought the bill to a vote.
Honorable Nancy Kopp, the State Treasurer, also testified at the bill hearing, indicating that bringing in financial advisors and rating agencies to review P3’s would make for a “sound process.” Treasurer Kopp also serves on the Board of Public Works and is expected to vote on the agreement that would classify the I-495 and I-270 project as a P3 this spring.
While advocates and elected officials were disappointed by the Senate’s lack of accountability, they committed to moving full speed ahead on their efforts to provide rigorous oversight and scrutiny to the $9-$11 billion expansion project, which MDOT claims would be the largest P3 in the world.
“I’m proud of what the House did in passing this bill. However, oversight and scrutiny of this project doesn’t end with the 90 day legislative session. We’ll continue to look for ways to be vigilant and ensure wise use of taxpayer dollars. ” - Delegate Jared Solomon, District 18
We are deeply disappointed that the Senate Budget & Taxation Committee failed to call for a vote on House Bill 1091, which passed the House weeks ago. Governor Hogan and MDOT are rushing a proposal to massively expand I-495 and I-270 without even understanding how these plans would impact our air, water, and climate for generations to come. In failing to vote, the Senate has put our environment, health, and future at risk.” - Josh Tulkin, Maryland Sierra Club Director
“Marylanders need oversight of these deals. We are disappointed that the Maryland Senate chose not to provide that oversight. We call on the Board of Public Works to do better.” - Brian, O’Malley, President and CEO, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance
“I know that this bill represents the minimum of what our residents expect of their government — accountability and transparency, which is why it passed the House of Delegates. It’s a huge disappointment that the Senate couldn’t acknowledge that by passing this bill.” - Prince George’s Councilwoman Jolene Ivey
“This is disappointing. This bill was good for residents and for taxpayers in general - it would have strengthened future public-private partnerships and it would have required accountability and viability in these agreements. We need real solutions to our transportation problems. I truly believe that if we - elected state and local officials - work together we can find solutions that address traffic needs in a meaningful way. The transportation package that was presented from the state and county as part of the bid to bring Amazon to Montgomery County included a comprehensive approach that actually had the possibility of solving traffic problems. That is what is needed and this bill would have encouraged that approach.” - County Executive Marc Elrich
"We need look no further than Virginia's P3 debacles with Route 460 and the Elizabeth River tunnel projects to see why a rushed process and lack of financial review and oversight can put the taxpayers at risk in P3 deals. In Virginia, the McDonald Administration rushed ahead, ignoring environmental, financial, and toll payer concerns. Their financial and risk allocation errors with Route 460 cost the state at least $300 million."- Stewart Schwartz, Executive Director, Coalition for Smarter Growth
“I am very deeply disturbed by the failure of the Senate to pass this legislation. The four additional lanes on the beltway will lead to devastating injuries to the Indian Spring neighborhood in which I have lived for 42 years. Many homes will be damaged, several of which belong to good friends, our local park and recreation center will be gone, the YMCA which is in our neighborhood will be severely damaged. Further, Blair High School which is across the highway could be damaged.” -Tony Hausner, 42 year resident of Indian Spring
The following organizations, jurisdictions, and officials submitted testimony in support of the HB1091: Action Committee For Transit, AFSCME, Citizens Against Beltway Expansion, Central Maryland Transportation Alliance, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Christ Congregational Church, Climate Exchange, Climate Law and Policy Project, City of College Park, City of Takoma Park, Don’t Widen 270, Green Democrats of Moco, Greater Farmland Civic Association, Indian Spring Civic Association Board, League of Women Voters of Maryland, Maryland Transit Opportunities Coalition, Maryland Sierra Club, Maryland PIRG, Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass, Neighbors of the Northwest Branch, Prince George’s County Council, and Safe Silver Spring.
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About the Maryland Sierra Club
Founded in 1892, the Sierra Club is America’s oldest and largest grassroots environmental organization. The Maryland Chapter has over 70,000 members and supporters, and the Sierra Club nationwide has approximately 800,000 members.