Awaiting a decision, activists rally for the Purple Line
Maryland’s new governor, Larry Hogan (R), is expected to announce his budget on Friday. Among its many facets will be funding, or a lack of funding, for the Purple Line. Advocates are mobilizing on social media to ask Hogan to keep the project moving forward.
Images from Purple Line Now.
Since winning office, Hogan has remained mum on the line, which will run from Bethesda to New Carrollton, as well as the Baltimore Red Line. During the campaign, he said he thought both were too expensive, but once elected, he said he would evaluate the projects carefully.
Business groups have organized to support the line, which they say is key to Maryland’s economic competitiveness. It already has federal money attached, which could help bolster the case, though that hasn’t stopped other governors (like New Jersey’s Chris Christie) from canceling transit projects.
Supporters have changed their Facebook and Twitter profile photos and tweeted with the hashtag #purpleline. Some even co-opted Hogan’s slogan, “Change Maryland,” suggesting that the Purple Line represents positive change for Maryland.