|
Washington, DC -- Congressman John Sarbanes joined Senators Mikulski and Cardin to secure $10 million in the FY 2008 transportation funding bill to improve the MARC rail system. The money can be used to purchase new passenger cars and expand maintenance and storage facilities. The funding bill passed the House of Representatives today and is expected to pass the Senate tomorrow. The President has indicated that he will veto the bill and it is likely that the Congress will seek to override his veto.
“As someone who commutes from Baltimore to D.C., I have a firsthand appreciation for how urgently we need these improvements to our state’s transportation infrastructure, especially as we consider the coming impact of BRAC on the region,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “This initial investment will help improve services and capacity for MARC riders. I also look forward to working closely with Secretary Porcari and Governor O’ Malley to provide federal resources for their long term MARC growth and investment plan.”
Sarbanes continued “I cannot understand why the President would threaten to veto this critical legislation. He continues to seek an unlimited amount of money for the war in Iraq at the expense of starving our infrastructure here at home. Incidents like the bridge collapse in Minnesota are a reminder of the importance of upgrades to our roads, bridges, and railways.”
MARC service must be a major part of any discussion to alleviate the growing strain on our state’s transportation infrastructure. With service to Maryland’s military installations, it is also a key component to accommodating the growth associated with Base Realignment and Closure growth (BRAC). Currently, the Camden, Penn and Brunswick lines serve more than 30,000 commuters in eight counties. Continued growth and capacity constraints are the most pressing threats to the MARC system’s ability to meet rider demands.
Other important funds provided in the bill include:
• $670,000 for the Central Maryland transit operations facility in Odenton
• $750,000 for bus and bus facilities statewide
• $500,000 for MD-175 improvements near Fort Meade
• $750,000 for expansion of I-695 NE
# # #
|
