WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Steny H. Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, Kweisi Mfume, and Glenn Ivey (all D-Md.) today announced $237,180,455 in Department of Transportation (DOT) funding to support Amtrak projects that will improve rail service between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.
“Through the historic infrastructure law, we‘re continuing to invest in Maryland and deliver the resources needed to upgrade our nation’s rail network into a safer, more modern, and more efficient system,” said the lawmakers. “With these federal funds, Amtrak and its partners in Maryland will be able to provide better service to their passengers up and down the Eastern seaboard.”
The new funding is in addition to nearly $120 million in federal funding the lawmakers secured in Fiscal Year 2022 to support Baltimore Penn Station renovations and other rail projects.
“Thanks to this new round of competitive grants, Amtrak will continue to deliver a new era of passenger rail and advance vital infrastructure projects like these, driving economic growth, creating jobs and transforming the Northeast Corridor to benefit millions of Americans,” said Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner.
The following projects received awards:
- $122,680,000 for Baltimore Penn Station: Master Plan Completion Project: For the final design and construction of the historic Headhouse Renovations and Station Expansion in Baltimore, MD. The project includes comprehensive renovations and restoration of the existing, historic Headhouse building interior, as well as the construction of a new headhouse along Lanvale Street, connecting to the existing station concourse.
- $96,709,440 for the Bridge to Burgos Catenary Renewal (MAD South Catenary Renewal: Baltimore-New Carrollton): For the final design and construction of the replacement of approximately 100 miles of catenary wire to improve high-speed Acela asset condition and performance between Baltimore and New Carrollton, MD.
- $17,791,015 for Mid-Atlantic South Signal System Upgrades to 562 Project: For the project development and final design activities for a new in-cab signal system to replace the existing wayside signal system along a heavily traveled segment of the corridor, between South Bowie, MD and Union Station in DC.
The funding was provided through the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration’s Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program which funds capital projects that directly improve passenger service frequency, reliability, and financial performance.
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