WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) praised action by the Maryland legislature for approving $167 million in dedicated state funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA/Metro). Support for Metro – critical for Maryland’s commuter workforce – was championed by Maryland State Senator Nancy King (District 39) and Delegates Marc Korman (District 16), Erek Barron (District 24), Jheanelle K. Wilkins (District 20), Jazz Lewis (District 24) and David Moon (District 20), among many others. Approval for the funding in Annapolis came the same day Congress approved its share of funding: $150 million in annual appropriations as part the omnibus spending bill passed by the House and Senate. Virginia and the District of Columbia already have committed funds to the regional transit system. President Trump signed the omnibus into law Friday afternoon.

“Metro is an essential part of daily life for Marylanders in and around the Washington region, and we need to make sure it has the resources to be safe, reliable and efficient for all who rely on it,” said Senator Cardin. “We have had an incredible federal-state team fighting for reliable funding for Metro, and I’m grateful to all the Maryland state lawmakers who have understood the critical role it plays for our region. With the FY18 federal appropriations process behind us, Team Maryland continues to actively explore new ways to provide a dedicated, federal funding stream for what is truly America’s transportation system.”

“The DC Metro is America’s subway, serving thousands of federal workers and millions of visitors to the Capitol. This federal funding is crucial to ensuring the Metro is better able to serve riders throughout our region,” said Senator Van Hollen. “I appreciate the strong teamwork that has led to renewed investments in the Metro on the local and state level. I will continue working to provide the Metro with the resources it needs to best serve our communities.”

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