FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 25, 2015

CONTACT
Kelly Blynn, Coalition for Smarter Growth
(610) 220-5378
kelly@smartergrowth.net

Coalition for Smarter Growth STATEMENT: Coalition for Smarter Growth applauds Hogan’s business-friendly decision to approve the Purple Line

ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND — Following Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s decision to move forward with the Purple Line, Coalition for Smarter Growth Executive Director Stewart Schwartz issued the following statement:

“We applaud Governor Hogan’s decision to move the Purple Line forward. There is no better transportation and economic development investment for the State of Maryland. This project will knit together job centers, expand access to high quality transit to new places, and provide much needed east-west connections in the dense inner suburbs of some of the most important economic parts of the state.

“This is a smart growth decision, which will support more efficient land use, transportation, and infrastructure, preserving Maryland’s environment and making the state more competitive.

“We are concerned about proposed changes to lower the costs, especially the decision to not build the second staging area for light rail cars, which could lead to poorer service. We are reviewing the proposals and will reach out to the state and local agencies to ensure that Purple Line performance won’t be significantly degraded.

“We also are deeply concerned about the Governor’s opposition to the Red Line, especially in light of his decision to increase spending on new highway construction by close to a billion dollars. Marylanders and residents in the Baltimore region deserve better transportation choices than just the same old policies of the past. We will work closely with allies throughout the state to determine positive ways to move forward from this setback.”

About the Coalition for Smarter Growth

The Coalition for Smarter Growth is the leading organization in the Washington DC region dedicated to making the case for smart growth. Its mission is to promote walkable, inclusive, and transit-oriented communities, and the land use and transportation policies needed to make those communities flourish. Learn more at smartergrowth.net.