FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 22, 2015

CONTACT
Kelly Blynn, Coalition for Smarter Growth
202-675-0016 ext.127
kelly@smartergrowth.net

MARYLAND  — Reports today indicate that Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has initially retained state funding for the long-planned for Purple Line in his first state budget.  Based on those reports, Coalition for Smarter Growth Executive Director Stewart Schwartz applauded the decision in the following statement:

“We were pleased to see that both Purple Line and Red Line funding currently remain in Governor Hogan’s first Maryland budget. The Purple Line is a good deal for Maryland, good for jobs, good for the economy and good for commuters.

Given the Governor’s emphasis on improving Maryland’s economy, we’re confident that the Purple Line is the ideal investment for providing the jobs and economic development boost the Governor seeks. Business groups agree, expressing a loud and unified message in support of the Purple Line — from the Montgomery and Prince George’s County Chambers of Commerce, to the real estate development industry and the American Road and Transportation Builders Association.

By investing $300 to $700 million in the Purple Line, the state will leverage another $1.7 to $2.1 billion in private, local, and federal funding. Delaying or cancelling the project would forego the local and private investment, and $900 million in federal funds, which would then go to other states. Another $170 million has already been invested in planning, engineering, and right-of-way acquisition, and private firms have spent tens of millions on preparing bids. Walking away would waste taxpayer money, discourage future public-private partnerships, and forego a significant economic development opportunity.

We look forward to seeing the details on the Governor’s budget, and will continue to work with businesses, residents and elected officials to encourage Governor Hogan to keep the Purple Line on track.”

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies and investments needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.

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