The Prince George’s County Council yesterday signed on to a Joint Letter with County Executive Angela Alsobrooks urging state and federal officials to reject the Baltimore-Washington Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) Project.
The SCMAGLEV (superconducting magnetic levitation) Project, is a proposed high-speed rail line between Baltimore, Maryland, and Washington, DC, with an intermediate stop at BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Backers of the project eventually hope to shuttle passengers between D.C. and New York in just one hour.
The letter, addressed to Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Gregory Slater and Federal Railroad Administration Acting Administrator Amit Bose, calls the project “unnecessary and flawed,” and says that the project “would result in significant harm to established residential neighborhoods, parkland, recreational facilities, and environmentally sensitive areas.”
“SCMAGLEV adversely impacts County residents and communities on many different levels,” said Council Chair Calvin S. Hawkins, II. “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.”
According to a press release:
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.
The public comment period on SCMAGLEV has been extended. Comments may be submitted via the DEIS website until May 24. For those unable to access the DEIS website, or who need additional assistance, please email info@bwmaglev.info.
Visit the Prince George’s County Council website for more information.
