Prince George’s County Increases Purple Line Funding Contribution by $20 Million

The Prince George’s County Council, a strong proponent of the Purple Line, praised today’s funding announcement from Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, increasing the County’s Purple Line Light Rail contribution to $120 million.

The Purple Line, a proposed 16-mile light rail line, will extend from Bethesda in Montgomery County to New Carrollton in Prince George’s County, providing a direct connection to the Metro Red, Green and Orange lines.  Prince George’s County will increase its Purple Line Light Rail contribution by $20 million, for a total of $120 million in bond and in-kind support from the County.  The agreement assures construction of the Purple Line will begin in Prince George’s County and the primary command center will also be located in the County.

Prince George’s County Council Chairman Mel Franklin (D) – District 9, praised the County’s funding decision.

“I am pleased to learn County Executive Baker and the Hogan Administration have come to an agreement on moving the Purple Line forward.  The County Council has been a committed supporter of this important transportation and economic development priority and looks forward to a briefing on the Administration’s proposal and on the feasibility of the additional funding proposed.”

District 3 Council Member Dannielle Glaros and District 2 Council Member Deni Taveras will have a combined eleven light rail stations in their districts – nine in District 3 and two in District 2 – better connecting communities and businesses, and expanding employment opportunities for thousands of Prince Georgians.

“The Purple Line will bring substantial economic return to District 3, Prince George’s County and the State of Maryland, connecting knowledge centers, increasing jobs, and ensuring our economic competitiveness,” said Council Member Glaros. “I am committed to ensuring that our residents and neighborhoods are lifted up—and not left behind—by the revitalization and new development the Purple Line brings.”

“Now is the right time to take this next step, and I am glad that Governor Hogan and County Executive Baker, a long-time advocate of the Purple Line, recognize this,” said Council Member Taveras.  “I am also hopeful that the Federal, State, both county governments and the private sector will now come together to make this essential addition to our transportation network a reality.”

The Purple Line Light Rail, expected to move more than 60,000 riders each day, will connect to MARC, Amtrak, and local bus services, providing connections to major activity centers in the region, including the University of Maryland and its research center, New Carrollton, Bethesda and Silver Spring.