The Prince George’s County Council is delighted that the Maryland Board of Public Works has unanimously decided to advance construction of the Purple Line with its approval of the $5.6 billion dollar, 36-year contract with Purple Line Transit Partners, to design, build, operate and maintain the light rail system. This state and county procurement opportunity, utilizing the P3 approach, will follow state and local business practices for small and minority businesses.
The Council is working to create walkable, vibrant communities with a mix of housing, jobs and retail, especially around the County’s 15 metro stations and now, the additional Purple Line stations. This work includes developing a premier network of transportation choices to ensure residents can reach their destinations easily and safely, and attract transit-oriented development.
The Purple Line, a transformative project which will link our communities and job centers together, is Prince George’s County’s number one transit priority. Project construction is slated to begin in New Carrollton and the principal operations center for the Purple Line will be in Prince George’s County. The Purple Line, expected to open in 2022, will spur unprecedented opportunities for economic growth and development along its corridor, while serving as a viable east-west transportation link for local and regional commuters.
Moving this project forward is among the County Council’s 2016 legislative priorities, and as the Maryland General Assembly Legislative Session prepares to come to a close next week, the decision by the Maryland Board of Public Works signals yet another major step toward achieving that goal together.
The Council thanks the Maryland Board of Public Works – Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Maryland Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. The board’s action moves the Purple Line a giant step closer to reality in Prince George’s County, and we celebrate your commitment to this critical transportation and economic development endeavor.
With great anticipation, the County Council looks forward to the groundbreaking.