Letters from Readers

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) was formed in 1971 to finance, construct, manage, operate and improve the state’s toll facilities as well as to support new revenue-producing projects. MDTA is governed by a chairman and an eight-member independent board, and is solely responsible for establishing toll rates and policies for MDTA facilities, including the new InterCounty Connector (ICC). MDTA’s revenues are separate from the state’s General Fund and Transportation Trust Fund. Rating agencies cite MDTA’s independent rate-setting authority as a major factor in assigning “AA” credit-worthiness, giving it the financial strength and diversity to support new and existing transportation facilities. The purpose of the ICC is to provide a relatively congestion-free connection between the I-270 and I-95 corridors. Tolls will serve as the primary tool to manage motorist demand and help pay the highway’s operating and capital costs. The decision to include tolls on the ICC was approved in 2005 when the General Assembly approved the financial plan that included MDTA toll revenue bonds. In the early years of operation, the ICC will be financially subsidized by MDTA’s other facilities. Annual debt service and operating costs are estimated to be $101 million, while annual revenue is estimated between $55 and $65 million. Studies indicate that the average trip length on the ICC is expected to be 6.6 miles, with a toll between $1.65 and $2.35 during peak periods. But relatively few trips will be made over the full distance of the ICC; more than 60 percent will be less than six miles. The approved per-mile sample toll rates on Maryland’s first cashless toll facility are comparable to, and in some cases lower than, other variably priced tolling facilities around the country. The ICC will reduce congestion, improve safety on local roads, and offer reliable and reduced travel times and multi-modal transportation options, including integration with local rail and bus services. The ICC’s innovative financing plan- with state, federal and toll-revenue funding – has allowed Maryland to deliver the benefits of this highway sooner, while preserving the Transportation Trust Fund for more traditional projects. Ronald L. Freeland

Executive secretary, Maryland Transportation Authority

Congress’ rush to cut off debate was disgraceful

I have personally spent more than a handful of Christmases away from family due to my voluntary obligations with the military, as do thousands of other selfless individuals every year. Reading that the Senate cut short the debate on health care so they could go home for Christmas was sickening. It is the constitutionally mandated job of the Senate to legislate for the general welfare of all Americans. Regardless of any assurances otherwise, this health “reform” bill will pile enormous debt on the American public and force taxpayers to forfeit even more of their hard-earned dollars. We deserve – and demand – that Congress spend ample time in open and honest debate regarding the possible consequences of their actions. Every so-called “representative” in Congress needs to look in the mirror and decide if he is in the employ of his constituency or his pocketbook. Jon Thorp

Coto de Caza, CA

Media focus on gate-crashers was misplaced

The press has devoted many pages on how the Sahahis got in the White House. I would have preferred that they devoted the space to how Obama got in! Wendel Allen

U.S. Secret Service (Retired)

Alexandria