Another Lawsuit Complicates Purple Line Plans in Maryland

The 16-mile Purple Line light rail project, which connects Maryland suburbs in Montgomery and Prince George's counties to the D.C. Metro Gold, Red, and Orange lines, is facing a new lawsuit.

1 minute read

January 19, 2019, 9:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Maryland Transit Administration

Maryland Department of Transportation / Purple Line Alignment

Katherine Shaver reports on the latest setback for the Purple Line in Maryland:

Opponents of Maryland’s Purple Line project have filed a third federal lawsuit aimed at stopping the rail line’s construction, arguing that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers improperly allowed work that will harm streams and wetlands.

More specifically, the lawsuit alleges that "the corps permit allowing dredging and other work in streams and wetlands is illegal under the Clean Water Act."

The news of the lawsuit follows closely after a scoop earlier this month, also reported by Shaver, that the Purple Line is behind schedule and over budget while project contractors and state officials disagree about the remaining construction schedule.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019 in The Washington Post

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