Council Approves Joint Letter and Adopts Legislation Opposing “Unnecessary and Flawed” SCMAGLEV
The Prince George’s County Council, during a virtual session on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, unanimously voted to authorize the signature of Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II, on a Joint Letter with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, addressed to Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater, and Federal Railroad Administration Acting Administrator Amit Bose, recommending the ‘NO BUILD’ Option for the Baltimore-Washington Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) Project.
The correspondence, which refers to the project as “unnecessary and flawed,” notes the proposed alignments contained in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), documenting the evaluation of potentially beneficial and adverse environmental impacts of the SCMAGLEV.
The Joint Letter states, in part, “The proposed alignments contained in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) would result in significant harm to established residential neighborhoods, parkland, recreational facilities and environmentally sensitive areas. The noise and vibration from the trains, as well as the daily truck traffic, dust and visual impacts of the associated maintenance facilities exacerbate the problems caused by the proposed alignments.”
In a further statement of opposition to SCMAGLEV, the Council also unanimously adopted CR-026-2021, legislation opposing the Baltimore-Washington Superconducting Maglev Project. given the significant negative impact that it would have on the health, safety and welfare of County residents and on persons that operate businesses in the County.
Chair Hawkins says the Council views the project as costly with damaging environmental impacts, noting that SCMAGLEV does not address County transportation priorities identified annually by the County during the Maryland Consolidated Transportation Program process.
"SCMAGLEV adversely impacts County residents and communities on many different levels. As proposed, this project cuts through our County without a single stop here, damages our environment, takes our land, and disrupts residents, communities and businesses, with little or no benefit. This body remains committed to providing viable transportation options for our residents that further the County and enhance our Quality of Life. The SCMAGLEV project is far from meeting those objectives.”
The public comment period on SCMAGLEV has been extended. Comments may be submitted via the DEIS website until May 24th. For those unable to access the DEIS website, or who need additional assistance, please email info@bwmaglev.info
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