“Statement of Principles on Metro” Focuses on Metro Operations and Long-Term Financing Resolutions

The Prince George’s County Council, during session on Tuesday, February 13, voted unanimously to adopt CR-8-2018, legislation supporting the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s (COG) resolutions adopting the Board of Directors “Statement of Principles on Metro,” long-term dedicated funding of Metro and other actions supporting the restoration of Metro to a world-class transportation system that is safe, efficiently managed, and maintained in a state of good repair.

The COG Board “Statement of Principles” established by Resolution R-37-2017, emphasizes the urgent need for local and state governments, the business community and other stakeholders to take unified actions to ensure that funding solutions and supporting actions are in place by July 2018. Resolution R-64-2017 addressed long-term dedicated funding and other actions supporting the restoration of Metro, including six actions in support of the rail system’s operating and financing needs.

Prince George’s County Council Chair Dannielle Glaros (D) – District 3, says the “Statement of Principles on Metro” is an important step toward restoring waning public confidence in Metro.

“Metro plays a critical role in the success of our local economy and the COG Board has identified restoring Metro as one of its top regional priorities. Many of our residents depend on Metro for their transportation needs, and COG’s ‘Statement of Principles’ sets us on a path to achieve the world-class and reliable Metro system riders expect and deserve. I look forward to working with Metro, the COG Board, and my colleagues throughout the region to support this effort.”

The Council also voted to authorize the Chair’s signature on a joint letter expressing support for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s position on Metro operations, long-term funding and state of good repair. The letter was also signed by Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III, Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett, and Montgomery County Council President Hans Reimer. To review the Council letter, click HERE.

COG is comprised of twenty-four jurisdictions of the National Capital Region representing State, County, local governments and their governing officials, including Prince George’s County plus members of the Maryland and Virginia legislatures. The Board of Directors is COG’s governing body and is responsible for its overall policies. In addition, a wide network of policy, technical, and advisory committees, partnerships, and programs advance COG’s regional work.

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All legislative powers of Prince George’s County are vested in the County Council. The County Council sits as the District Council on zoning and land use policy, and as the Board of Health to govern and guide health policy. The County Council meets as a legislative body on Tuesdays in the Council Hearing Room on the first floor of the County Administration Building in Upper Marlboro. For more information on the Prince George’s County Council, please visit http://pgccouncil.us