FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, October 23, 1998
Contact: Velvet Snow
Tel.: (202) 366-0782
FTA 22-98
Deputy Secretary Downey Announces
$30 Million to MTA for Commuter Rail Extension
U.S. Deputy Secretary Mortimer Downey today announced a grant of $30 million in Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds to the Maryland Mass Transit Administration (MTA) for the purchase of rolling stock for the Maryland Rail Commuter System (MARC) and the construction of a commuter rail line extension.
"President Clinton is committed to investing in transportation, which will strengthen the economy and help to make our cities more livable," Deputy Secretary Downey said. "This award will help ease congestion and improve clean air efforts and result in a better quality of life for people in Maryland."
MTA’s multi-year procurement of rolling stock will include up to a total of 59 bi-level passenger coaches and six electric locomotives. Of the 59 coaches, approximately 14 will replace coaches now in use, while the remainder of the coaches will be used to expand service. The six locomotives will all be used for service expansion.
The extension of the MARC service consists of a 13.5 mile line from Point-of-Rocks and Frederick, Maryland which will operate on existing CSX Transportation rail right-of-way. Two stations are planned, one in downtown Frederick, south of Carroll Creek, and one suburban Frederick station east of MD 35.
The cost of the Frederick Extension is estimated at $49.6 million, with federal participation estimated at $39.6 million.
FTA Administrator Gordon J. Linton said "FTA’s goal is to improve public transportation in the nation’s cities and counties and these dollars will provide more efficient service in a cleaner environment for the people who use the MARC system."
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