The much-debated intercounty connector highway between Montgomery and Prince George's counties locked up two important endorsements yesterday.

A governor's advisory committee put finishing touches on a report recommending that the $1.1 billion highway be built, and Maryland's transportation secretary, John D. Porcari, added his support.

Even if the state intensifies support for carpooling, telecommuting, express buses and other types of mass transit, "there's still a need for some kind of east-west road," Porcari said. "Exactly how that's implemented is something the governor will discuss with his Smart Growth cabinet."

The meeting in College Park marked the final session of the Transportation Solutions Group since it was created 14 months ago to advise Gov. Parris N. Glendening on remedies for easing traffic congestion in the Washington suburbs, especially the Capital Beltway and its feeder roads.