For immediate release

Prince George’s ACT supports current GARVEE bond cap

Hyattsville, MD--February 16, 2005--Prince George’s Advocates for Community-based Transit (Prince George’s ACT) today announced its support for the current cap on the percentage of federal transportation funds any one project may use. The 13% maximum enacted into law by the 2004 Maryland General Assembly ensures that no one transportation project’s funding will use an undue portion of the state’s future Federal funds. Prince George’s ACT believes that it is essential to Maryland’s social and economic welfare to apply federal funds to transportation projects equitably and in a manner that creates and nurtures healthy communities across the state.

Prince George’s ACT opposes attempts to remove or raise the 13% cap in order to finance any one project such as the Intercounty Connector (such as Senate Bill 75). We are concerned that the ICC requires so much of Maryland’s future federal funds while accruing scant benefits to Prince Georgians. Such projects that provide limited benefits to our communities should not receive such a large percentage of our transportation funds. We look forward to Maryland’s transportation funds being available for projects that will encourage smart growth and that will nurture healthy communities.

About Prince George's ACT
Prince George's ACT advocates accessible transit and livable communities for Prince George's County. Our priorities include rail on the Wilson Bridge, the Inner Purple Line, increased and improved bus and rail service, and quality transit-oriented development. Founded in December 2003, Prince George’s ACT is a growing advocacy group now with almost 100 members. For more information, visit www.princegeorgesact.org.