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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  • Input Needed for our 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW News!
  • Are You a Purple Line NOW Donor?
• Purple Line in the News
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • PLN VP Gives Project Update to ACT
  • The Purple Line Makes Google Maps!
• Construction News & Project Features
  • Purple Line Contract Finalized!
  • Open Houses Scheduled to Meet New Builder
  • Update on Community Advisory Team Meetings Schedule

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WHAT'S HAPPENING AT PLN?

Input Needed for our 100th Issue of Purple Line NOW!

We have just five issues left before our 100th issue of Purple Line NOW News! Thank you to those who have sent blurbs of memories from the early days (specifically, the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s!) We need more! Pictures are particularly fun -- and if someone is rocking those muttonchop sideburns while advocating for what was (eventually) to become the Purple Line, all the better!

If you didn't catch it in our last newsletter, we are planning a commemorative issue and want to take a stroll down memory lane -- back to the beginning of the project, when the idea of a Purple Line was just a hope and a dream. If you were around these parts back then and have photos, an anecdote or two, or even a memory of the work that went into imagining an east-west light rail train, finding support from elected officials, applying for federal funding, or any other hurdle (or achievement), PLEASE send them our way!

We will include as many as we can in the issue. Send to Christine Scott, Executive Director at [email protected]. Thank you! 

Are You A Purple Line NOW Donor?

Each month, we rotate onto our Donors List those who have made a financial contribution to Purple Line NOW in the previous month. If that includes you, your name will stay on that list for a full year following your contribution. Thank you, thank you!

**If you do not see your name on our Donors List, we hope you will consider helping us continue our work!** 

We use every donation we receive to continue our newsletter, continue offering regular webinars, continue being a strong liaison to help connect you to people who can solve your issues, and continue our strong advocacy for the project in every way possible. If you would like to know more about who we are, why we are asking for donations, and what we do with your gift once it arrives on our doorstep, you can read all about it in our November newsletter.

Thank you so much for your consideration! Unless you tell us otherwise, your name will be listed on our website and in publications for a year following your donation.

THE PURPLE LINE IN THE NEWS

Parsons, J., "Maryland's Purple Line Readies for Restart." Engineering News-Record, 22 April 2022.

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

PLN Vice President Gives Update on Project

On April 12, before the news regarding the financial close was announced, Purple Line NOW's Vice President Greg Sanders gave a project update to Action Committee for Transit. The update included an overview of the schedule until opening day, a little bit about the new builder, and some of the modified provisions provided in the new contract. One important takeaway came from Maryland State Delegate Jared Solomon (D-18) who said that he and his colleagues continue to advocate for opening the Capital Crescent Trail when the project enters an extensive testing phase, before the rail opens to the public, but after construction has been completed. We will keep you posted when we learn of any news on that front.

The Purple Line Makes Google Maps

Even though it isn't "official" news, we noticed that the Purple Line stations are now designated on Google Maps! That is welcome news, especially for those who are new to the area (or even some long term residents) who are still unsure where those stops will be. Progress!

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

Purple Line Contract Finalized

In case you missed the news, not quite two weeks ago, the concessionaire, Purple Line Transit Partners, had reached financial close with the new builder, Maryland Transit Solutions.

What does that mean, you might ask?

Financial close means that all of the necessary loans are in place. In addition to the direct support from Maryland and the federal matching loan, the public-private partnership includes public financing through a Transportation Infrastructure Financing and Innovation Act and private financing, both held by the concessionaire.

Just like it is important to close a mortgage before moving in and starting renovations on a house, this financial close was necessary before major construction activity by the new builder could begin. It is the final step in the process of onboarding the new builder which will now allow them to begin ramping up construction in a big way along the corridor later this spring.

We are thrilled the parties have reached this milestone and wanted to share the good news with you, too! More details about the impending schedule, construction updates, and news from the state and concessionaire to come. Purple Line NOW congratulates all parties involved and thankful the project is moving forward!

You can read more here: MDOT MTA Press Release

Open Houses Scheduled to Meet New Builder

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) will be holding two in-person open houses to introduce the public to Maryland Transit Solutions (MTS), the new design-build team. According to their press release, MDOT MTA Administrator Holly Arnold said, "The team is looking forward to introducing our new design-build team to the community. We want to proactively engage with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders to let them know in advance what construction work they can expect to see as we begin a new chapter of delivering the Purple Line for Maryland.”

The open houses will take place at two venues in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties:
• May 25, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Silver Spring Civic Building, 1 Veterans Place, Silver Spring MD 20910
• May 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., University of Maryland Stamp Student Union, Atrium, 3972 Campus Drive, College Park, MD 20742

We are looking forward to meeting the new partner and learning about the construction schedule going forward.

Community Advisory Team Meetings to Resume in June

We are thrilled the Community Advisory Team (CAT) meetings will resume in June and will publish those dates as soon as they are set.

Photos from Around the Corridor

Thank you to MDOT MTA for the following photos! Do you have a snap from around the corridor you'd like to share? Send them along to [email protected]. Photos must be your original. 

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