A 21st Century transit system for the Baltimore metropolitan region is essential. The bipartisan federal infrastructure bill paved the way for essential federal funding for the Red Line.
I introduced House Bill 632, Baltimore East–West Corridor – Transit Study – Requirements, which would have required updated studies and surveys of the proposed system. HB 632 would also provide that no one will lose their home in order to construct a new rail system. We would not repeat the dislocation families for the Highway to Nowhere.
Governor Hogan’s veto of this legislation rejects an important step towards working for a cleaner and more prosperous future for the Baltimore region.
In anticipation of the Governor’s veto, I asked the individuals below for their response.
Statement of Donald C. Fry Regarding Governor Hogan’s Veto of Legislation to Fund New Red Line Light Rail Study
“It is disappointing that the Governor has chosen to veto legislation that would take another serious look at building a new light rail line to connect the east and west sides of the city. Delegate Rosenberg and state legislators worked hard to come to a consensus to pass the bill this year.
It is important to keep in mind that federal transportation officials have previously given the green light for an east-west transit connection, the Red Line, and backed it with a pledge of $900 million in federal funding. The Greater Baltimore Committee championed the project then and has been extremely supportive of this new legislation.
When Congress took bold steps to pass an infrastructure bill our Congressional members, led by Senators Cardin and VanHollen successfully inserted language that directed that the Red Line could move back into the approved project list pending state action. The veto of the legislation delays the potential for this important transit project that would benefit Baltimore City and the region economically, socially and culturally.”
“The Chesapeake Bay Foundation’s support for the Red Line is simple: transit reduces air and water pollution, which improves the health of people and the Bay. A new East-West transit corridor in Baltimore would provide residents with clean and accessible transportation options after decades of concentrated vehicle traffic, and the pollution from it, impacting lower-income communities and neighborhoods of color.”
-Erik Fisher, Maryland Land Use Planner, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
“We are disappointed to see, once again, that Governor Hogan is denying Baltimore City residents critical transit investments that are essential to addressing racial and economic inequities and reducing vehicle pollution.”
– Josh Tulkin, Director, Sierra Club, Maryland Chapter
