Delays Have Created Disruptions, Uncertainty for Maryland Communities
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen led members of the Maryland delegation, including Senator Ben Cardin and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes, Kweisi Mfume, Anthony Brown, Jamie Raskin, and David Trone (all D-Md.) in expressing their serious concerns to Governor Hogan on the Purple Line Project, as construction delays and legal disputes continue to cause significant disruptions to Maryland businesses and communities.
In their letter, the lawmakers pressed Governor Hogan to quickly resolve the project's ongoing issues, finish construction, and provide relief to Maryland residents and communities impacted by the delays. They also request answers on a number of outstanding questions surrounding the project.
"We are writing today to express our deep concern about the future of the Purple Line project. There have been very troubling developments since we were briefed by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Secretary Greg Slater in July. Now that it is clear that the Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) intend to leave the project and began to demobilize and secure the construction sites prior to the current forbearance agreement, our concerns about the fate of the project have grown exponentially," the lawmakers begin.
"Given the importance and size of this project, we urge you to use this time to negotiate with PLTP and, at the same time, continue making the necessary arrangements to transition the project to MDOT if a settlement is not reached. It is imperative to find a path forward as these delays mean that Maryland residents are the ones that suffer," they continue.
They highlight the impact of the delays on Maryland residents, writing, "Since construction began three years ago, in September 2017, the project has caused significant disruption to the communities located near the alignment. Any additional delay in the completion of the project will only exacerbate the burdens being experienced by both residential communities and commercial enterprises situated in close proximity to the construction sites."
Despite these challenges, they underscore, "We are confident that, once completed, the Purple Line will be a great benefit to workers, families and the economies of Prince George's and Montgomery Counties and will reduce traffic congestion along that corridor. Once construction is complete, the project will connect residents to existing jobs and encourage development of new job centers. Attracting new investment along the corridor is a key benefit to the local communities."
The Purple Line Project – which has received significant federal funding as a result of efforts by Maryland's congressional delegation in the early 2000s – is intended to improve transit options, address increasing commuting needs, and improve local air quality by reducing cars on the road – all while saving taxpayers money.
The lawmakers closed their letter seeking answers on a number of outstanding questions on the project including how recent developments will impact the overall cost, the expected completion date, plans to hire local and minority subcontractors, and additional financial impacts to the State should MDOT ultimately take over.
The full text of the letter is available here.