On Tuesday, June 25, County Executive Doug Duncan called for $1 billion in spending on new transportation projects, including support for a new Potomac River Crossing.
Duncan proposes to raise property taxes by three cents dedicated to transportation spending, in addition to money raised by a new development impact tax. Other funding proposals include a 10-cent state gasoline tax increase, and $25 local vehicle registration fee.
Duncan’s plan, called Go Montgomery, calls for the InterCounty Connector (ICC), Metro Purple Line from Tyson’s Corner through Rock Spring in Bethesda to the University of Maryland and New Carrollton, a Regional Transportation Authority, a new Potomac River Crossing and HOV Lanes on the Beltway.
The plan includes a variety of specific and general proposals, among them the widening of Wootton Parkway from Falls Road to Glen Mill Road.
Go Montgomery as outlined by Duncan would devote 47 percent of the $1 billion in new spending to transit, 43 percent to roads, and 10 percent to hiker-biker trails and pedestrian and traffic safety.
Duncan will also promote using technology to increase the capacity and efficiency of the transportation infrastructure and to create an environment conducive to walking and biking, incorporating bike lanes in new road projects. The new plan will also encourage residents to live near where they work and shop.
For a booklet and other information outlining Duncan’s proposal see www.co.mo.md.us/Go_Montgomery.