Baltimore Congressional Delegation Announces $9.4 Million for Regional Railway Improvements

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume (all D-Md.) today announced $9.4 million in federal funding for the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) to upgrade railway infrastructure in Martin’s Yard and Baltimore Penn Station. 

“Reliable rail networks are critical to connecting Maryland commuters with jobs and businesses with opportunities throughout the region,” said the lawmakers. “These federal funds will help MTA complete much-needed infrastructure improvements that will expand safe and efficient transportation options for our residents. Team Maryland will continue to advocate for federal investments to modernize our nation’s transportation systems and keep Marylanders moving.” 

Funding comes through the Department of Transportation’s State of Good Repair (SGR) Program, a federal-state partnership that helps address the backlog in transportation infrastructure repairs along the Northeast Corridor by supporting projects to improve, replace or rehabilitate railroads around the nation. The award will be used for the construction of two storage tracks at Martin's Yard, which will help address longstanding train storage deficiencies and increase capacity at Baltimore Penn Station. 

Members of the Maryland Delegation have continuously fought to expand funding and grant programs for Maryland transportation systems. In July 2020, the delegation wrote to Administrator Ronald Batory of the Federal Railway Administration in support of this project. Last year, both Senators Cardin and Van Hollen signed onto a letter to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development leadership calling for increased funding for the SGR program for FY2020.