For Immediate Release

Prince George’s County Councilman Mel Franklin Urges Appeal of Purple Line Decision

Councilman Contends that Federal Judge Failed to Give Federal Transit Administration Proper Administrative Deference

Contact: Mel@melfranklin.net

Upper Marlboro, MD – On Monday, May 22, Federal District Court Judge Richard Leon issued a decision in Friends of the Capital Crescent Trail et al. v. Federal Transit Administration et al. further delaying the Purple Line light rail project.  Judge Leon determined that the FTA did not adequately consider expert testimony about the impact of the Purple Line on ridership and safety of the WMATA Metrorail System.  Today, County Councilman Mel Franklin (D-District 9) issued the following statement:

“Judge Leon’s decision is a disappointment for jobs, economic development, and progress in our region.  The Judge’s decision improperly substitutes his judgment for that of the appropriate fact-finding agency instead of properly deferring to the FTA’s expertise in evaluating the merits of the facts and arguments regarding the Purple Line.   While Judge Leon may not agree with the FTA and the State of Maryland and prefer the plaintiffs’ arguments, his role is to determine whether the agency’s decision is “arbitrary and capricious,” not whether he agrees with it.  The FTA considered the merits of the plaintiffs’ arguments, as the agency has done previously, and determined that the Purple Line would still meet its established purposes and needs.  The continued delay caused by this litigation puts hundreds of millions in funding at risk and jeopardizes the entire project.  I strongly urge the FTA and the State of Maryland to appeal Judge Leon’s decision.”

Judge Leon’s decision can be found here:https://ecf.dcd.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/show_public_doc?2014cv1471-138

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