John Matthews
WMAL.com
ANNAPOLIS — (WMAL) Don’t stick a fork in the Purple Line just yet.
Supporters of the proposed transit line have been nervous about the project’s prospects, given Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s refusal to commit to its future, but they still have some reason for optimism.
State Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn, according to the Washington Post, is recommending that Hogan approve the Purple line as long as changes can be made to reduce expenses by about 300 million dollars, and as long as Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties are willing to pay a larger share of the cost of the project, which is currently estimated at $2.45 billion.
The paper reports Rahn made the recommendation to Hogan last month before the governor left on a trade mission to Asia.
There’s still no guarantee Hogan will go along with the proposal. He has consistently been skeptical that the project will create nearly as many jobs and new business for the region as advertised.
Even if Hogan says yes, it’s unclear whether the localities will follow suit. Both Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett and his Prince George’s County counterpart, Rushern Baker, say their counties cannot afford a larger financial commitment to the Purple Line.
Hogan has said he will make a decision on whether to back the project sometime in June.
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