Ruppersberger Announces $10.3 Million in MARC Improvements on Fast Track

(Washington, D.C.)- Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD) announced $10.3 million in federal funds for MARC improvements are on the fast track.  The money will pay for infrastructure upgrades at the MARC Stations at BWI, Penn Station, Laurel, and the Storage Yard at Martin State Airport.  The “shovel ready” projects will begin this spring and will create more than 240 jobs.  The money was included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that was signed into law recently. Congressman Ruppersberger was joined by Congressman Elijah Cummings and Paul Wiedefeld of the Maryland Transportation Administration at the announcement at the MARC BWI Station on Friday, February 27, 2009.        
 
“As we all know, we are facing some tough economic times.  The stock market is falling.  Home foreclosures are rising.  Jobs are disappearing.  The time for action is now.  The best way to boost the economy is to create jobs, invest in infrastructure, and offer citizens and businesses tax cuts and rebates.  The $10 million in MARC improvements will put Marylanders back to work while also upgrading our transportation systems,” said Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-MD).

“Because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Marylanders can look forward to much-needed improvements in our State’s infrastructure and transit systems,” said Congressman Elijah Cummings, a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure. “The $10.3 million that Congressman Ruppersberger and I were able to present today for MARC enhancements will not only create hundreds of new jobs—it will also keep our infrastructure from literally crumbling beneath us.”

At the MARC BWI Station, $3 million will pay for much-needed improvements to the elevators and the station’s electrical system.  At the MARC Penn Station, $4 million will fund new windows and a new heating system to make the station more energy efficient.  At the Laurel MARC Station, $2.9 million will finance the renovation of the southbound platform.  At the MARC Storage Yard at Martin State Airport, $400,000 will pay for additional storage tracks, train inspection areas, and upgrades to the maintenance building.  

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