The Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) is at risk of forfeiting $213 million in federal funding meant to rehab its Light Rail system.
News of the potential cut came Friday morning during a conversation between the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance (CMTA) and MTA Administrator Holly Arnold.
"She said we have about a year to figure it out but if we don't come up with an additional $380 million in funding for those necessary fixes and upgrades then we have to turn down the federal grant," said Brian O'Malley with the Transportation Alliance.
MDOT's current budgeting plan doesn't provide enough state dollars to fully match the federal grant, which is a condition of receiving the money.
This now puts a large portion of the project in jeopardy.
"What it means for riders is that the system is running one car trains where it typically used to run two car trains at least, and so after concerts and Orioles' games and so forth, there's not enough room for passengers on a one car train," said O'Malley.
MTA officials reportedly told the Transportation Alliance it has about a year to come up with the funding.
Without the money the Light Rail could remain and continue to become outdated.
"This is not frivolous and expansion, this is trying to maintain the system previous generations built and we're letting run into the ground," said O'Malley.
These issues could extend beyond the Light Rail.
Maryland, if unable to properly maintain its mass transit systems, could also be at risk of losing federal assistance for the Red Line project.
"We are at risk, the federal government when we apply for a grant to help pay for the Red Line will look at and will score our application based on what they perceive as our ability to maintain and run the system we currently have, and if it looks like we can't and it looks like we're choosing to invest elsewhere and we're choosing not to invest in the maintenance of that, that will hurt our application," said O'Malley.
The Maryland Department of Transportation tells WMAR-2 News they're working on a financial plan that would secure the funds needed to get Light Rail improvements underway.
"As state funds become available, the Department will work to fully leverage the federal dollars available to us," MDOT said in a statement. "MDOT and MTA are excited to have received grant funding for the replacement of the full light rail vehicle fleet. MDOT is working to develop the financial plan to fully implement the Light Rail program including not only the replacement of the vehicles but also the rehabilitation of stations and platforms across the system. We will share that plan as it is more fully developed."
State Senator Cory McCray, who supports MTA maintenance projects, also reacted with concern.
"As a longtime advocate for transportation safety and infrastructure improvements, I am deeply concerned about the potential loss of $213 million in federal funds needed to replace Baltimore’s aging light rail cars. It is critical that Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld, known for his commitment to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), brings that same energy and focus to Baltimore's transit system. The Baltimore region deserves this level of dedication to ensure our transportation needs are met. This isn’t just about transportation—it’s about the senior trying to reach a pharmacy for much-needed prescriptions, the young scholar commuting to school for an education, and the single mother relying on the light rail to get to work and support her family. These are the lives impacted when we fail to invest in a reliable transit system. Baltimore deserves a system that serves its people with dignity and meets their everyday needs.”
