BELTSVILLE, Md. - There's a new wrinkle in all of the controversy surrounding the Intercounty Connector.

The toll highway currently under construction will quickly link Montgomery and Prince George's counties so drivers can avoid the Beltway. It could cost you six dollars to travel the length of the road one way, but a group of Maryland lawmakers wants to give some drivers a discount.

Dirt, dust, and noise are just a few of the things people who live near the controversial six-lane Intercounty Connector have had to endure. Then came the news that the rates under consideration to drive the toll road were 25 to 35 cents per mile.

Driver Chris Kosmowski said, "I probably wouldn't use it, a little steep for my wallet, so I probably wouldn't use it."

Kosmowski added, "Gas is going up, everything is going up. You need a break at some point in time."

A break is exactly what Maryland state delegate Ben Barnes is requesting. Monday, he and three other politicians representing the 21st district sent a letter to the state's transportation secretary asking that residents who live near the ICC get a discount for the disruption.

Barnes explained, "We encourage the rates to be as low as possible but especially for those living near the road who've been most impacted but the construction, and having this major highway near their home."

He says residents have already paid dearly by bearing the brunt of the construction inconvenience. Now, he's proposing a nice payback in the form of a toll road discount and it's an idea residents support.

Driver Christopher Ojo said, "I really don't think there should be tolls at all but if there's any reason, I think it should be a little cheaper."

"I think they should make it free. Give us a pass. How about that?" said driver Ibraham Cont.

There's still no word on whether a discount will be considered but the ICC is moving full speed ahead with construction. The ICC is scheduled to open in late 2011 or early 2012.

The Maryland Transportation Authority Board will hold two public meetings on the proposed toll rates this week. The first meeting is on Wednesday night at High Point High School in Beltsville. The second is on Thursday night at Shady Grove Middle School in Gaithersburg. Both will be held from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

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