Detailed Responses - Congressional District 4

Question 1

Do you support the Locally Preferred Alternative selected by Gov. O'Malley for the Purple Line, including an at-grade light rail line with a trail alongside it on the Georgetown Branch right of way between Bethesda and Silver Spring, as well as the at-grade light rail line running along Campus Drive through the University of Maryland?

Donna Edwards (D) Yes. As a long-time champion of the Purple Line, I am excited that we are poised at the state and federal levels to make the Purple Line a reality.  The Purple Line project will promote transit system connectivity and provide much-needed transportation options for the entire region, improve east to west transportation across the region, and will be a source of economic development for both Prince George’s and Montgomery Counties.  I secured $3 million in FY 2010 and I am working to help obtain an additional $1.5 million for FY 2011 to stay on track in the planning stage of the project and move toward construction.

Robert Long (D) I know nothing about the two issues you ask me to respond to. I would be happy to have your position on these two questions, and other issues, too. It would be helpful, when stating positions, if you would provide at least a summary of the facts and the reasoning that supports your position, plus an analysis of opposing points of view.

 

Question 2

When the federal surface transportation program is reauthorized, should we give transit a higher priority relative to highways? How specifically would you change current law?

Donna Edwards (D) Yes.  Throughout my time in Congress, and as a Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have supported and continue to support a comprehensive approach to constructing transportation systems.  Fully integrated multi-modal transportation systems, particularly integrated mass-transit, would improve safety for all users and encourage healthy and active lifestyles, and contribute to savings in future health care costs. I will continue to work to provide safe and quality transportation choices that mitigate pollution emissions and encourage healthy living. Surface Transportation Reauthorization should be guided by road design and construction projects operating under Complete Streets principles. These principles ensure that the safety and convenience of all users of a transportation system are accommodated in all phases of project planning and development, including pedestrians, bicyclists, public transit users, children, older individuals, motorists, and individuals with disabilities. I proposed and the Administration endorsed a measure I introduced call the Public Transportation Safety Program Act of 2010.  The legislation would establish a safety program encompassing the design, construction, and operation of all public transportation rail systems that receive funding from the federal government.

Surface Transportation Reauthorization legislation should include explicit funding in both the Highway Safety Improvement Program and Section 402 Highway Safety Funds for improving dangerous intersections, roads and neighborhoods, which make bicycling and walking safe and viable transportation options, as well as, improve the livability of communities.

I also support the reauthorization of the Safe Routes to Schools (SRTS) Program at a substantially higher level to reflect the extraordinary demand for the SAFETEA-LU SRTS Program. Over a third of youth living within a mile of their school walk, yet that mile can be dangerous. The Safe Routes to Schools Program funds infrastructure improvements and education programs to ensure children have safe routes and are comfortable traveling those routes.