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

• What's Happening at PLN?
  
  • Last Chance! Show Your Love for Purple Line NOW!
• Happening Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Purple Line NOW Submits Testimony in Support of Transit
• Construction Updates
  • Maryland DOT Launches Grant Program for Small Businesses Along the Purple Line Corridor
  • Some Items of Interest from Social Media

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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?

 Show Your Love for Purple Line NOW 

Important -- please take a moment to read:

All good things must come to an end! For us, that means this is the final week your gift will be matched, dollar-for-dollar. The "I Love Purple Line NOW!" matching campaign will end this Friday (February 28) and we are SO very grateful to all who have jumped in to support us during this matching campaign! Our terrific donors are listed below!

**We didn't reach our target in December, so with the kindness of a donor who has agreed to extend the matching campaign through February, we've relaunched the matching campaign to give you a chance to have your donations doubled! We are rolling closer to our goal -- thank you, thank you!! For every dollar raised, a donor will donate the same amount (up to $2,000) until we reach our goal of $6,000 or until the end of the month, whichever comes first. 

We only have a short time left and if you don't see your name on the list below, we hope you might consider a donation to help us reach our goal. Together, we can make a powerful difference in our community!

 Double the Love, Double Your Impact! 

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Why Your Support Matters: With your help, Purple Line NOW can continue to advocate for this essential transit project that connects communities, reduces congestion, and promotes sustainable transportation. Your matched donation will directly support:

• Annual Community Forums: Engaging with key Purple Line and community leaders.
• Bi-weekly Newsletters: Keeping you informed with important updates and construction information.
• Community-wide Information Sharing: Through our quarterly board and monthly executive committee meetings.
• Connecting and Problem-Solving: Helping connect residents and workers with the right person on the project to solve problems or bring attention to an issue.

How to Participate:

1. Donate Online: Visit our donation page and choose your desired amount (or click the purple "Donate Today" button above!)
2. Matching Gifts: Your donation will be recorded and matched by our generous donor.
3. Share the Love: Encourage friends and family to join our campaign by sharing this newsletter and spreading the word on social media.

 We Love Our Donors! 

Featured Donors
The Malloy and Sanders Family
Tina, Don, and Jessie Slater
Purple Line Corridor Coalition
Purple Line Transit Partners

Supporters
Elizabeth Barbehenn
Ben Ross
Eric Talbot

Engineers
Brian and Bee Ditzler
Isiah Leggett
John Robinson
Nancy and Rob Soreng

Conductors
Christine Scott and JohnR Llewellyn

Commuters
Anne Ambler & John Fay
Gus Bauman
Marney Bruce
John Carroll
Margaret Chasson
Elaine Emling & Michael Jenner
Margaret Greene
Gerrit Knaap
Jodie Kulpa-Eddy
Francine Meyer
Anita Morrison
Rodolfo Perez
Tom Quinn
Jerry Withers

Passengers
Glen Bottoms
Patrick Dougherty
William & Kay Gilcher
Tom Pogue
James Riley

Your love and generosity will drive us forward, creating a better and more connected community for everyone. The dollars we raise this month will help us continue our work this spring and summer. Please consider a donation, if you can – and as always, thank you for your continuous support and for making a lasting impact!

HAPPENING ALONG THE PURPLE LINE CORRIDOR

Purple Line NOW Submits Testimony in Support of Transit

Keeping with our theme of love, Purple Line NOW submitted testimony in support of public transit to the Senate Budget and Taxation Committee at a budget hearing on February 14. What better way to show our love than supporting funding to improve and expand public transportation across the state?! Here's a copy of our testimony:

SENATE BUDGET AND TAXATION COMMITTEE
Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee - Budget Hearing
By: Christine Scott, Executive Director, Purple Line NOW
Date: February 14, 2025

Re: J00A0104

I appreciate the opportunity to provide written testimony on behalf of Purple Line NOW, an organization dedicated to advocating for the completion and success of the Purple Line, a crucial component of Maryland's public transportation network.

Investing in public transit is essential for the vitality and growth of our communities. The benefits of public transportation are vast and far-reaching, impacting not just individual commuters but also our economy, environment, and overall quality of life.

Economic Benefits Public transit systems, like the Purple Line, are catalysts for economic development. Studies have shown that every dollar invested in public transportation generates approximately $4 in economic returns. Transit projects create jobs during construction and operation phases, stimulate local businesses, and attract new investments. By improving access to job centers, public transit empowers individuals with better employment opportunities and contributes to a more robust and resilient economy.

Environmental Benefits Public transportation is a powerful tool in our fight against climate change. By reducing the number of single-occupancy vehicles on the road, public transit helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The Purple Line, for example, is expected to remove thousands of cars from our congested highways, leading to cleaner air and a healthier environment for all residents. Supporting public transit is a crucial step towards meeting our state’s environmental goals and creating a sustainable future.

Social Equity Benefits Public transit promotes social equity by providing reliable and affordable transportation options to all members of our community, including those who may not have access to a private vehicle. This accessibility is vital for low-income individuals, seniors, and people with disabilities, ensuring they can reach essential services, education, and employment opportunities. By investing in public transit, we are investing in a more inclusive and equitable society.

Quality of Life Benefits Public transit enhances the overall quality of life for residents by reducing traffic congestion, lowering transportation costs, and providing convenient and efficient travel options. The Purple Line, for example, will connect diverse communities, fostering greater social cohesion and a sense of belonging.

Additionally, public transit systems contribute to the development of vibrant, walkable neighborhoods, encouraging healthier lifestyles and reducing the need for extensive parking infrastructure.

In conclusion, the funding and support of public transit projects like the Purple Line are critical for the continued growth and prosperity of Maryland. I urge the legislature to prioritize public transit funding, recognizing the multitude of benefits it brings to our economy, environment, and communities. Together, we can build a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant future for all Maryland residents.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATES & PROJECT FEATURES

MDOT Launches Grant Program for Small Businesses Along the Purple Line

Applications are now being accepted by Maryland Department of Transportation for grants up to $50,000 to support small businesses impacted by construction of the Purple Line Light Rail project. According to the MDOT MTA website, "eligible small business applicants must operate a customer-facing business within one-quarter of a mile from the Purple Line alignment and have been open and operational since January 1, 2022."

Small businesses are eligible if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

• 50 or fewer employees
• gross sales averaging $2 million or less
• or are certified in the State of Maryland’s Small Business Reserve Program

"Grant award amounts of up to $50,000 will vary based on location of the business, construction impacts and whether the business is located in areas designated for community and economic development, revitalization and sustainability. Up to three application rounds will take place each year."

Important: The first round of applications are due by March 14, 2025. Program details and the grant application can be found at www.purplelinemd.com.

Some Items of Interest from Social Media

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