Ruppersberger Showcases Federal Transit Dollars at Work in Edgewood

New train station putting Marylanders to work, getting them to work

(Edgewood, MD) – Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) today was joined by Maryland Transit Administrator Ralign Wells for a tour of the final construction phase of the new MARC train station in Edgewood, MD. The $5 million train station is being converted from a basic train platform into a fully-functioning station with amenities including bathrooms, ticket machines and ramps for people with disabilities.

The Edgewood stop is located on the MARC Penn Line between Martin State Airport and Aberdeen. It is expected to become increasingly busy as more than 8,000 jobs related to the Base Realignment and Closure process and Aberdeen Proving Ground continue to come to Harford County. The project has received a total of $3.5 million in federal funding, including a $1.3 million transportation grant for “high priority” projects. Construction began in January and is expected to be complete in November.

“These improvements to the Edgewood train station are a common sense investment in our future,” Congressman Ruppersberger said. “Not only are we creating much-needed construction jobs, we are also ensuring that thousands of Harford County commuters will be able to get to work safely and on time. For mass transit to work, it has to be comfortable, convenient and cost-effective. This project helps accomplish all three.”

“As the MTA strives to implement Governor Martin O’Malley’s MARC Growth and Investment plan, our partnership with the federal government is critical,” said MTA Administrator Ralign T. Wells.  “Thanks to the tremendous work being done by the Maryland Congressional delegation, improvements like those at the MARC Edgewood station are possible, enhancing public transportation for our customers and supporting jobs for Marylanders.”

“A strong, modern transportation and mass transit system is critical to commuters in Harford County,” Senator Barbara A. Mikulski said. “These federal dollars will make sure that the Aberdeen Proving Ground MARC station will keep our people moving and businesses booming, especially with the great opportunities as well as great challenges that come with BRAC. That's why I fight to put funds in the federal checkbook to help meet the increased demands BRAC places on our communities. Federal funds for Maryland transit systems help keep Marylanders on the move.”