WASHINGTON — Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III says his county won’t be spending any new money on the Purple Line, although he remains confident after a Thursday announcement from Gov. Larry Hogan that the project will be built.
According to the latest figures, the federal government will contribute $900 million to the Purple Line. Former governor Martin O’Malley had pledged roughly $700 million to the Purple Line. Prince George’s and Montgomery counties would contribute another $120 million each, with the rest coming from a public-private partnership.
But on Thursday, Governor Larry Hogan approved the Purple Line with the understanding that the state portion would be reduced and the county would increase its portion.
“We feel like we’ve put in an extraordinary amount of money, more than we put in for any other state project of this magnitude,” Baker tells WTOP. “The same with Montgomery County. Where it leads us is a conversation with the Governor and his staff to see exactly why they feel like, one, we should put more money in there, and two, what are the cost savings that he has talked about that he wants to see in the project.”
When asked whether this means Prince George’s County is unwilling to spend any more than the $120 million it has currently pledged, Baker gave a clear answer.
“I think that definitely is the top of the mark for us,” Baker says. “I mean that was a lot to ask. I’m sure when you talk to the County Executive from Montgomery County, he’ll tell you the same thing.”
He says given the financial situation in Prince George’s County, it took a leap of faith with the $120 million that the Purple Line will create jobs and businesses the county.
Baker adds that he thinks both he and Montgomery County Executive Isiah Leggett will be able to work out the difference with the Governor and construction will proceed with the project.
“My hope is we don’t have to go into 2021 or 2022,” Baker says. “Our goal is to still have it in 2020. I think the main thing to take away from what the Governor said is that the state, the federal government and the business community, for the first time under the Hogan administration, are all saying this thing should be built.”
