Detailed Responses - Maryland State Senate District 39

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?

Nancy J. King (D) Yes.

Robert J. Smith (R) Yes, I believe that cross connection of the Red Line corridors is essential to make the system work more efficiently and that immediate at-grade connection at the University of Maryland would promote the most efficient use of the system.

 

Question 2

Do you support further study of the Action Committee for Transit's plan for the I-270 Corridor as an alternative to the $4 billion plan to widen I-270?

Nancy J. King (D) Yes.

Robert J. Smith (R) Yes, I believe that all options should be on the table and that there is a limit to widening existing highways.

 

Question 3

How can we fund WMATA?

Nancy J. King (D) I have supported legislation in the past that would set up a dedicated funding source for transportation and I would support similar legislation in the future. A dedicated funding source will not only guarantee funding, but will help in efforts to sustain and create jobs.

Robert J. Smith (R) Establish a priority account within the TTF with modifications to the gas tax.

 

Question 4

Should any money be spent on increasing highway capacity associated with the Great Seneca Science Corridor Master Plan before a light rail Corridor Cities Transitway from Shady Grove to Clarksburg is fully funded for construction?

Nancy J. King (D) No.

Robert J. Smith (R) The CCT construction should be the established priority.