The Coalition for Smarter Growth appreciates DRPT’s involvement in the I-495 southside corridor issue. Our organization has been engaged for over two decades in the transportation and land use issues that connect Prince George’s County and Northern Virginia. Please consider our comments on the I-495 Southside Transit & TDM Study.

Officials release bloated $75.7B transportation plan for NoVA is unlikely to "solve congestion". Needed - a new approach: A plan that improves access to opportunity, reduces driving, saves families money, and fights climate change.

On Friday June 17, the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) released with a 30-day availability period the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS) and appendices, totaling 26,500 pages in 74 separate files.1

The Coalition for Smarter Growth appreciates the efforts of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (VDRPT) to improve mobility within the I-495 corridor between Springfield and Maryland. However, to truly address the needs of the study area communities on either side of the Woodrow Wilson bridge and the metropolitan region, VDOT will need to take a broader and more holistic approach consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).

TPB members, led by Maryland jurisdictions and DC, adopted a resolution to slash climate pollution from cars and trucks by 50% by 2030 and identified strategies to pursue towards that goal.