April 21st, 2017 by WCBC Radio
Maryland’s governor expressed frustration with the status of the purple line light-rail project and made claims this week that a judge weighing its future has a conflict of interest. Media outlets report those claims are being questioned by neighbors and civic leaders, but a spokeswoman said Gov. Larry Hogan stands by his comments. Hogan said Wednesday that U.S. District Judge Richard Leon, “who happens to live at the country club” the line is slated to run through is “making the decision to hold it up.”
Leon is reconsidering an order suspending federal environmental approval the state needs to get federal construction grants for the 16.2-mile line that would connect Bethesda and College Park. His Chevy Chase home is three miles from Columbia Country Club, which fought the project that would bisect its golf course, but reached an agreement with the state in 2013.
Hogan, a Republican, also said Wednesday that he told U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao recently that the project needs $900 million in federal construction aid.
.jpg)
