In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Why We Ask for Support
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  
  • Purple Line NOW Forum
• Construction Updates and Project Features
  
  • Update on Project Delay
  • Purple Line Artwork
  • Other Items that Caught Our Eye
  • Photos Around the Corridor

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

A Purple Line NOW Appeal

A big THANK YOU to all who answered our call for financial support a few weeks ago! If you don't see your name on our website list of sponsors, we hope you will consider a gift to Purple Line NOW. For those who may have missed it, we are reprinting our appeal below and ask for your help to continue our work:

We are making an appeal to those of you who have not contributed to Purple Line NOW in a while and to those who have never donated to our organization. For those of you who are new to us, you may not realize that Purple Line NOW does not do any special event fundraising, nor are we underwritten by any organization or company. Everything we do -- all the advocacy, newsletters, educational webinars -- is supported by our donors. We operate on a tiny budget (under $20,000 a year) and when our coffers get low, we ask our supporters to consider a donation to us.

To that end, we wanted to reach out to you with a quick update on the status of the Purple Line project and to ask for your support.

As you know, Purple Line NOW was established to promote the approval and funding of the Purple Line project. After more than 20 years of advocacy, we were thrilled when the project was finally approved. We had worked tirelessly to ensure that the Purple Line would become a reality, and we are proud of our efforts.

However, we have learned that since construction began, the challenges to completing the project have continued. Nevertheless, we remain convinced that the Purple Line will have an incredibly positive impact on the quality of life for commuters and travelers in our region. We believe that the Purple Line will provide a vital connection between neighborhoods, universities, and job centers, and will help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

Despite the challenges, we here at Purple Line NOW have continued to work as a conduit between the community and builders so that questions and concerns can be addressed. We have advocated for a final product that is a real asset for the communities it will serve. We have also been working to raise awareness of the benefits of the Purple Line and to build support for the project.

However, we cannot do this work alone. We rely on the support of donors like you to help us continue our efforts. We are asking for your help once again to ensure that the Purple Line project is completed as planned, and that it serves the needs of our community.

Your donation will help us continue our advocacy efforts and ensure the Purple Line project is a success.

If you are a previous donor, thank you for your past gift to us and for your consideration of continuing your support into the future. If you are not sure whether you contributed to us in the past year, check out our current donors on our website. (All donors are listed for a year following their donation.)

If you are new to us, welcome! Please contact us with any questions you may have. 

The "DONATE" button below will take you directly to the donation page. Thank you in advance for your consideration and for all you do for our community!

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Purple Line NOW Forum

We are working to pull together a forum headlined by both the Prince George's and Montgomery counties' Planning Boards in September. Stay tuned and watch this space for more information!

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Update on Project Delay

Back in February, Purple Line NOW News reported on a potential delay occurring later this year after an analysis of the project status was conducted on behalf of the new builder. It seemed very likely then that the project would face a seven-month delay into early 2027.

While the timeline for the project (which would include the delay) was not revised until earlier this month, the revision may have come as a surprise to some. In the monthly newsletter from the Purple Line MDOT team, Project Director Ray Biggs II writes, “I wanted to let our stakeholders, partners, community advisory team members, and business owners know, as soon as possible, about an important change regarding Purple Line construction. The Maryland Transit Administration and Purple Line Transit Partners (PLTP) today requested approval from the Board of Public Works (BPW) of a modification to the Purple Line Public-Private Partnership (P3) Agreement that formally extends the contractual deadline for achieving Revenue Service Availability to Spring 2027.”

Director Biggs explained that the revised schedule for opening day, “reflects the ongoing challenges and complexities of completing construction in a dense urban environment, the ongoing national workforce and supply chain issues, delays in completion of utility relocation activities, and the unique history of the Purple Line Light Rail Project.”

He notes the larger context on this delay and cost increase. The new concessionaire discovered complications that contributed to cost increases and delays at some of the work sites that had been dormant for two years. This dormancy had been a result of two significant and “highly uncommon” events: 1) the initial lawsuit that allowed a lengthy delay before finally being dismissed, and 2) the need to replace the design-build contractor after the initial concessionaire left the project. Certainly, ongoing supply chain issues because of the unprecedented pandemic and the labor force shortages played a role, as well.

We are grateful that the Maryland Transit Administration and the Concessionaire are working together to identify and mitigate further delays, and while the seven-month extension was not unexpected, we are encouraged to see so much activity happening along the corridor. A special thanks to the crews who are working through these hot summer months to get us closer to opening day.

From the Purple Line MD Team:

Maryland Today Article:

Now seems like a good time to highlight an article that first appeared back in April, but reminds us of all that is to come. (Maryland Today Staff. "The Promise (and Pain) of the Purple Line." Maryland Today, 18 April 2023.)

Photos From Around the Corridor

Photo Courtesy: MDOT MTA

Photo 

Courtesy: MDOT MTA

Photo Courtesy: MDOT MTA

STAY CONNECTED

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Why We Ask for Support
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  
  • Survey: Input Requested for Maryland's Transportation Future
  • Lt. Gov. Miller Provides Updates on Purple Line
  • Purple Line NOW Forum
• Construction Updates and Project Features
  
  • Photos Around the Corridor

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

A Purple Line NOW Appeal

A big THANK YOU to all who answered our call for financial support a few weeks ago! If you don't see your name on our website list of sponsors, we hope you will consider a gift to Purple Line NOW. For those who may have missed it, we are reprinting our appeal below and ask for your help to continue our work:

We are making an appeal to those of you who have not contributed to Purple Line NOW in a while and to those who have never donated to our organization. For those of you who are new to us, you may not realize that Purple Line NOW does not do any special event fundraising, nor are we underwritten by any organization or company. Everything we do -- all the advocacy, newsletters, educational webinars -- is supported by our donors. We operate on a tiny budget (under $20,000 a year) and when our coffers get low, we ask our supporters to consider a donation to us.

To that end, we wanted to reach out to you with a quick update on the status of the Purple Line project and to ask for your support.

As you know, Purple Line NOW was established to promote the approval and funding of the Purple Line project. After more than 20 years of advocacy, we were thrilled when the project was finally approved. We had worked tirelessly to ensure that the Purple Line would become a reality, and we are proud of our efforts.

However, we have learned that since construction began, the challenges to completing the project have continued. Nevertheless, we remain convinced that the Purple Line will have an incredibly positive impact on the quality of life for commuters and travelers in our region. We believe that the Purple Line will provide a vital connection between neighborhoods, universities, and job centers, and will help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

Despite the challenges, we here at Purple Line NOW have continued to work as a conduit between the community and builders so that questions and concerns can be addressed. We have advocated for a final product that is a real asset for the communities it will serve. We have also been working to raise awareness of the benefits of the Purple Line and to build support for the project.

However, we cannot do this work alone. We rely on the support of donors like you to help us continue our efforts. We are asking for your help once again to ensure that the Purple Line project is completed as planned, and that it serves the needs of our community.

Your donation will help us continue our advocacy efforts and ensure the Purple Line project is a success.

If you are a previous donor, thank you for your past gift to us and for your consideration of continuing your support into the future. If you are not sure whether you contributed to us in the past year, check out our current donors on our website. (All donors are listed for a year following their donation.)

If you are new to us, welcome! Please contact us with any questions you may have. 

The "DONATE" button below will take you directly to the donation page. Thank you in advance for your consideration and for all you do for our community!

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Survey: Input Requested for Maryland's Transportation Future

This survey provides you with an opportunity to inform the state about your suggestions for improving Maryland's transportation future. Let them know what key outcomes the state should prioritize, where areas of concern are located, and how you would budget to create a more inclusive and equitable 20-year transportation vision! Take the survey here (but, hurry, it closes on July 10!)

Lt. Gov. Miller Provides Updates on Purple Line

Lt. Governor Aruna Miller gave an update on the Purple Line at a recent monthly meeting of the Action Committee for Transit. Miller revisited the cause for the delay in opening day, as well as the cost overrun, but added that, "Currently, about 400 employees at 50 sites are working, mostly to relocate utilities. That work is about 70% complete." You can read more about her remarks at the following link. (Pollak, S., "Lt. Gov. Miller Provides Updates on Purple Line." Montgomery Community Media, 14 June 2023.)

Purple Line NOW Forum

We are working to pull together a forum headlined by both the Prince George's and Montgomery counties' Planning Boards for late summer/early fall. Stay tuned and watch this space for more information!

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Photos From Around the Corridor

Photo Courtesy: MDOT MTA

Photo Courtesy: MDOT MTA

Photo Courtesy: MDOT MTA

STAY CONNECTED

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

Dear Purple Line NOW News Readers,

We promise to return to our regularly scheduled news reporting in our next issue, but today we dedicate this newsletter to two important and timely topics:

1) A Purple Line NOW Appeal

Today we are making an appeal to those of you who have not contributed to Purple Line NOW in a while and to those who have never donated to our organization. For those of you who are new to us, you may not realize that Purple Line NOW does not do any special event fundraising, nor are we underwritten by any organization or company. Everything we do -- all the advocacy, newsletters, educational webinars -- is supported by our donors. We operate on a tiny budget (under $20,000 a year) and when our coffers get low, we ask our supporters to consider a donation to us.

To that end, we wanted to reach out to you with a quick update on the status of the Purple Line project and to ask for your support.

As you know, Purple Line NOW was established to promote the approval and funding of the Purple Line project. After more than 20 years of advocacy, we were thrilled when the project was finally approved. We had worked tirelessly to ensure that the Purple Line would become a reality, and we are proud of our efforts.

However, we have learned that since construction began, the challenges to completing the project have continued. Nevertheless, we remain convinced that the Purple Line will have an incredibly positive impact on the quality of life for commuters and travelers in our region. We believe that the Purple Line will provide a vital connection between neighborhoods, universities, and job centers, and will help to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution.

Despite the challenges, we here at Purple Line NOW have continued to work as a conduit between the community and builders so that questions and concerns can be addressed. We have advocated for a final product that is a real asset for the communities it will serve. We have also been working to raise awareness of the benefits of the Purple Line and to build support for the project.

However, we cannot do this work alone. We rely on the support of donors like you to help us continue our efforts. We are asking for your help once again to ensure that the Purple Line project is completed as planned, and that it serves the needs of our community.

Your donation will help us continue our advocacy efforts and ensure the Purple Line project is a success.

If you are a previous donor, thank you for your past gift to us and for your consideration of continuing your support into the future. If you are not sure whether you contributed to us in the past year, check out our current donors on our website. (All donors are listed for a year following their donation.)

If you are new to us, welcome! Please contact us with any questions you may have. 

The "DONATE" button below will take you directly to the donation page. Thank you in advance for your consideration and for all you do for our community!

2) The departure of MDOT MTA Executive Director for the Purple Line Matt Pollack

We send loads of appreciation and a fond farewell to a friend of Purple Line NOW, MDOT MTA Executive Director for the Purple Line, Matt Pollack. Many of you may have met Matt during a Community Advisory Team meeting, at one of PLN's own forums, or as a part of other community outreach endeavors. He was also readily available to answer many of the questions you sent our way regarding construction issues and project plans.

Matt is leaving his post after three years and Veronica Battisti, a spokesperson for the project, has indicated MTA will be conducting a nationwide search for his successor. We wish Matt every success and best wishes as he boards the next train to a new adventure!

STAY CONNECTED

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.

In today's edition of Purple Line NOW News, here's what you'll find:

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Why We Ask for Support
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  
  • Assistance for Small Businesses Along Purple Line Corridor
  • Long Time Purple Line Advocates Gain New Positions in House
• Construction Updates and Project Features
  
  • Items That Caught Our Eye This Month
  • Photos Around the Corridor

Share This Newsletter

Please feel free to share this newsletter - no permission from us needed! You can always find a link to our newsletter on our Purple Line NOW website which makes it easy to share with your friends, neighbors, constituents, customers, and employees.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Why We Ask for Support Each Month

Purple Line NOW was originally established to promote the approval and funding of the Purple Line project. We were so pleased when the project was finally approved after more than 20 years of advocacy and relieved the Purple Line would finally become a reality.

We have all learned since construction began that the challenges to complete the project have continued. We at Purple Line NOW understand that despite those challenges, the Purple Line will have an incredibly positive impact on the quality of life for commuters and travelers in our region. We have continued to work as a conduit between the community and builders so that questions and concerns can be addressed and to advocate for a final product that is a real asset for the communities it will serve.

To do that, we rely on your continued financial support.

We are so appreciative of each and every dollar that comes to us by way of a donation. We are a nonprofit organization that relies on donors to continue its mission and we cannot exist without your generosity each and every year. Your donation will be noted on our website and in all printed materials and at all events for a year following your contribution to Purple Line NOW. Curious as to when you last made a donation to us? You can check out our website or shoot us an email. If you don't see your name listed, we hope you will consider donating to our organization when you are able. Thank you, thank you.

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Assistance for Small Businesses Along Purple Line Corridor

The Latino Economic Development Center provides assistance to small business along the alignment by providing help with applying for grants and loans. You can find more information on their website. Montgomery County provides grants to local businesses directly impacted by the construction of the Purple Line Light Rail Project and have suffered revenue losses during the construction period. Please see the website for details.

Long Time Purple Line Advocates Gain New Positions in House

Purple Line NOW congratulates long time Purple Line advocates Delegate Marc Korman (D) and Delegate David Moon (D) on their new House of Delegates leadership positions. Del. Korman will become the new Chair of the House Environment and Transportation committee. He has long been doing the committee work on the effective delivery of the Purple Line and is responsible for the bi-monthly progress reports. Del. Moon will become the new majority leader, the third most powerful position in the House. Congratulations to both on their new positions! More information about their appointments can be found in Maryland Matters. (Gaines D., "Speaker announces shakeup in House leadership."  Maryland Matters, 17 May 2023.)

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Items that Caught Our Eye This Month

Road Closures for UMD Campus

In a tweet yesterday, the Purple Line team said that beginning today (May 25) crews will implement the first phase of closing Campus Drive on the University of Maryland campus, from Regents Drive to Union Lane. The work will continue over the summer. You can find more details here.

Blasting Continues in Bethesda

An additional notice from the Purple Line team at MDOT MTA reports that their crews will resume blasting and excavation work in the future elevator shaft to WMATA's Red Line in Bethesda on Elm Street at Wisconsin Avenue. Work will not impact traffic and will occur weekdays and weekends. Warning horns will sound before each blast. 

Photos From Around the Corridor

Photo Courtesy: MDOT MTA

Photo Courtesy: MDOT MTA

STAY CONNECTED

Get Connected

Make sure you are signed up for timely alerts from Purple Line NOW via our Twitter and Facebook pages, and at our website Purple Line NOW.