Environmental Groups Sue To Block Highway Construction

The environmental groups' intent to sue notice has been delivered to the federal government, the state of Maryland and the regional Transportation Planning Board. The groups hope that the government bodies will take advantage of the 60-day notice period to re-analyze the intended construction project for its environmental impact.

"The Washington region already fails to meet certain clean-air standards and that building the six-lane, 18-mile highway would increase pollution. The $2.4 billion intercounty connector would link Interstate 270 in Montgomery County with Interstate 95 in Prince George's County."

"Because the Washington region does not comply with federal limits on fine particles, the groups say, federal officials cannot legally approve or fund any project that would increase the amount of particulates. The highway was given final approval by federal officials in June and some minor construction projects have begun."