Key Finding # 8: There is a lack of political consensus on how to move forward with expanding capacity on the Capital Beltway.

The nature of Maryland's transportation prioritization process dictates that political consensus, from local citizen groups up to the Governor, exist in order to make progress on projects as sizeable as expansion of the Capital Beltway. Despite support from former Governor Ehrlich for the expansion of the Capital Beltway, there has been fierce local opposition to the idea, due to fears of increased noise, traffic, and pollution in the affected counties. Since Maryland usually looks to its local governments to provide transportation priorities for its residents, there appears to be little progress on the Beltway issue. Compounding the local opposition are right-of-way issues, environmental concerns, and other transportation projects that already have popular support to some degree. Capital Beltway expansion is unlikely until these local obstacles are dealt with in conjunction with strong gubernatorial support.