Grassroots Advocacy Group Traffic Relief NOW Launches in Support of Capital Beltway, I-270 Express Lanes
Coalition Includes 80+ Local Businesses & Community Organizations Actively Supporting Maryland’s New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan
ANNAPOLIS, MD (December 15, 2021)—Traffic Relief NOW, a new grassroots advocacy coalition of more than 80 businesses, labor organizations, community and civic associations, and more officially launched today in support of the long-overdue New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan. Originally announced by Governor Hogan in 2017, the project provides an answer to the problem of traffic congestion that has plagued the region and the state for decades, and will bring much-needed relief to the countless commuters who suffer through some of the nation’s worst congestion each day.
The coalition currently comprises more than 80 members, representing a growing and diverse community of support surrounding the New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan. In addition, the coalition is proud to have an official Board of Advisors that include business, labor, and community leaders from throughout the region.
Traffic Relief NOW Board of Advisors:
Kenneth White, Chairman, Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce
Stephen Courtien, President, DC-Baltimore Building Trades
“For decades, Maryland has had some of the worst traffic in the nation, and for decades politicians have done nothing to fix it. Now, we finally have an opportunity for a real solution that will get countless Marylanders out of soul-crushing traffic,” said Traffic Relief NOW spokesman Doug Mayer. “There is a ton of support for this project across the state, and poll after poll has confirmed that fact. There has never been a better time to harness this community support to ensure that elected officials at all levels understand just how important this project is to Marylanders and the region.”
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Traffic Relief NOW represents the clear majority of Marylanders who support this project and who have had enough of sitting in traffic while elected officials fail to take action or provide real solutions. The coalition has come together to ensure the New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan is constructed and made available to all Marylanders as soon as possible.
“The Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce is very appreciative of the Maryland Department of Transportation and Accelerate Maryland Partners for their efforts to collaborate with our organization, and for recognizing the importance of diversity, inclusion, and equity to the success of this project,” said Kenneth White, Chairman of the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce. “In addition to the myriad of economic and community benefits this project poses to the region, the educational and certification programs that are being established at Bowie State University and Prince George’s Community College will directly benefit our local Black businesses and economy by providing in-demand skills education and local employment opportunities.”
The New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan is a transportation infrastructure project that leverages private capital to rebuild a new American Legion Bridge and create two express lanes in each direction of the Capital Beltway (I-495) and I-270. These express lanes will relieve congestion, improve transit services, incentivize carpooling and allow commuters to save time and money.
“This project is all about creating jobs, economic development, and improving the life of Marylanders,” said Steve Courtien, President of the DC-Baltimore Building Trades. “The inclusion of a Project Labor Agreement for the construction of this project guarantees family-supporting careers, and the final product will help people and products get where they need to go. We’re proud to support this long-overdue project and help ensure that it becomes a reality.”
Traffic Relief NOW priorities:
- Publicly advocate to ensure that Maryland’s New American Legion Bridge/I-270 Traffic Relief Plan is implemented, constructed, and made available to all Marylanders
- Update the public about legislation surrounding this project and upcoming Maryland Board of Public Works and Maryland Transportation Planning Board meetings where the project will be discussed or voted on.
- Grow the coalition of concerned Marylanders by encouraging businesses and individuals to sign our petition and join the movement working to get the project completed
About Traffic Relief NOW:
Traffic Relief NOW is an independent, non-profit, grassroots organization dedicated to supporting real solutions to Maryland’s worst in the nation traffic congestion and encouraging both public and private investment in the state’s transportation infrastructure network. Specifically, Traffic Relief NOW is working to ensure that Maryland’s New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief Plan is successfully implemented, constructed, and made available to citizens and commuters as soon as possible.
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