WASHINGTON - The Montgomery, Md., County Council this week approved an east-west, light-rail system that would connect Montgomery and Prince George's counties, moving the $1.2 billion "Purple Line" project forward after more than 20 years of planning.
Project officials plan to seek Federal Transit Administration dollars to help finance up to half of the project, but they would not speculate whether tax-exempt bonds would be used to help with construction costs.
"At this point, no, we don't really have details in terms of how the project will be funded," said project manager Michael Madden. He added that none of the money for construction has been committed or identified, though it will "definitely have to be financed by a combination of state and federal funds, and possibly funds from the two counties."
Madden said a public-private partnership would also be considered, but that at this point it is "hard to gauge" private interest. It would be "really good" if the project could get some private investment, he said.
Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is expected in the spring to ask the FTA for funds for the 16-mile, light-rail project, which would be an "updated streetcar line" operating on tracks with overhead wires and permanent stations. It also would be able to run on roadways in mixed traffic, according to the plans.
The earliest construction could begin would be 2012, if federal funding is approved, officials said. The project is expected to take three to five years to complete and already has been endorsed by the Prince George's council and both counties' executives.
It would connect communities in Prince George's and Montgomery counties, providing additional transportation capacity in the congested corridor between New Carrollton and Bethesda, according to project plans. It also would be connected to existing stations of Maryland's commuter rail, MARC, Metrorail, and Amtrak, and officials expect it will support economic development in both counties.
