WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen and Congressmen Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes and Kweisi Mfume, (all D-Md.) today announced $7,109,500 in Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act funding to help the Maryland Department of Transportation modernize and increase the accessibility of Maryland Area Regional Commuter’s (MARC) Martin Airport Station – a “legacy station” constructed before the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990.

The funding comes through the Federal Transit Administration’s All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP). The federal dollars will be used to improve safety and accessibility at Martin Airport Station, bringing it into compliance with the ADA by upgrading boarding and alighting platforms.Under the existing station configuration, commuters board and depart from MARC trains directly on the train tracks.

“Martin Airport Station has been a staple for Maryland commuters and travelers for decades, but aging infrastructure that predates the passage of the ADA has created barriers for people with disabilities,” said the lawmakers. “With this grant, we are equitably rebuilding our infrastructure and sending a message that public transit must be safe, efficient and accessible for all Marylanders.” 

The Federal Transit Administration’s ASAP was created by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which the Maryland Democratic Congressional Delegation unanimously supported as it passed in November 2021. Its goal is to upgrade the nation’s oldest transit systems to be more accessible for people with disabilities.

###