And that's real important. But some environmentalists have complained that the governor's plan would allow funding for roads that are not in smart growth areas but that connect smart growth areas. That would allow funding for projects such as the controversial Inter-County Connector in Montgomery and Prince George's counties. Environmentalists fear communities would spring up along the connectors, creating sprawl. Steve Larsen, Glendening's chief lobbyist, said the state would avoid such problems by limiting exits on the connecting roads.
Some local officials say the plan goes too far.
In Southern Maryland, they are especially wary. If the governor's not going to fund schools outside of town centers, then we're in a world of trouble. Charles County officials said the plan could have arbitrary and contradictory results. Municipalities such as La Plata, a town of fewer than 7,000 people about 25 miles south of Washington, automatically would be designated smart growth areas. But developments in places such as Waldorf, an unincorporated area with more than 50,000 people that is 10 miles closer to Washington, might not qualify.