For Immediate Release: Monday, February 27, 2006
At a news conference to announce $24 million in additional federal funding for the Silver Spring Transit Center, Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan today criticized Governor Robert Ehrlich for pulling back on his commitment to the $75 million dollar project intended to combine Metrorail, Metrobus, Ride On, MARC and inter-city bus service in one facility. Duncan was joined at the event by Senator Paul Sarbanes Congressmen Albert Wynn and Chris Van Hollen, County Council President George Leventhal, State legislators and representatives from Metro.
“I applaud our Congressional delegation for their tireless advocacy in support of public transportation in general, and this project in particular,” Duncan said. “However, I am very disappointed that we do not have the same level of commitment from the State of Maryland for mass transit.”
Sarbanes, Wynn, Van Hollen and Senator Mikulski all played a critical role in securing an additional $24 million dollars in federal support for the Silver Spring Transit Center project. The final $6 million contribution from the State for the project was left out of the Governor’s budget, threatening to delay this important public transportation project in one of the busiest mass transit hubs in the Maryland.
“This is just the latest assault on mass transit by the Ehrlich administration,” Duncan said “From cutting bus routes, to eliminating train stations, and delaying major rail projects, this Administration has turned its back on public transportation. This latest attack on the Silver Spring Transit Center threatens to delay this important project and throws a wrench in our otherwise successful revitalization efforts.”
Buses, Metrorail and taxis currently serve 57,000 patrons daily at the Silver Spring Metro. By 2020, it is estimated that 97,000 people will be served. The Transit Center will improve pedestrian circulation and safety and create a pleasant pedestrian environment including a wide promenade, green parks, plazas and customer conveniences. Traffic patterns and safety around the Center will be improved. Hiker/biker trail enhancements to the Capital Crescent and Metropolitan Branch trails are included in the design.
“I am pleased that we are moving forward with this project since it has been one of my top priorities for the burgeoning downtown Silver Spring area,” said Senator Sarbanes. “Once completed, this Transit Center will not only enhance Silver Spring’s status as a major hub for public transportation, but will also provide a further boost to the efforts in revitalizing downtown Silver Spring.”
“This project is critical to the economic growth of Silver Spring,” said Senator Barbara A. Mikulski. “That's why I've been fighting for years to improve public transportation in Silver Spring and throughout Montgomery County. Keeping Marylanders on the move has always been one of my top priorities. A strong, modern transportation and mass transit system strengthens our neighborhoods and communities, gets Marylanders to their jobs, delivers goods to the marketplace and reduces traffic on our roads and highways.”
The total project area is 5.7 acres, of which 1.9 acres is owned by the County and the remainder by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA). WMATA issued a joint development solicitation. Silver Spring Metro LLC will enter into a land lease with WMATA for development of the site, integrating private development into the project's design, including a 200-room hotel, two residential towers with 450 units, and 25,000 square feet of retail space. The Federal Transit Administration has approved the environmental assessment for the project and given the ‘go-head’ to proceed with preliminary engineering for the project.
“The synergy between the private and public sectors in creating this Transit Center is an example of smart growth at its finest,” said Congressman Albert Wynn.
“This project will improve access to mass transit during a time when downtown Silver Spring is experiencing a renaissance. I am proud to have worked with County Executive Duncan and my Maryland colleagues in Congress to secure over $34 million in funding since the year 2000.”
“I am pleased to have helped secure funding for this important transportation project,” said Congressman Chris Van Hollen. “The Silver Spring Transit Center will help improve the lives and the day-to-day needs of people in our community by accommodating existing and future transportation needs, increasing mass transit ridership and accommodating economic development in downtown Silver Spring.”
The Transit Center design features buses on two levels, accessed from Ramsey Avenue at the upper level and Colesville Road at the lower level. A third level will incorporate Metro's Kiss 'N Ride area, which will be accessed from Bonifant Avenue. Also on the third level will be a taxi stand and short term parking. Adequate space for the future Capital Crescent Trail will be provided along the north side of the existing CSX tracks. A new traffic signal will be installed on Colesville Road, also along the north side of the existing CSX tracks, for better access to the bus bays, the Metrorail station, and the Transit Center. A new traffic light is also planned for the intersection of Wayne and Dixon Avenues. The existing urban park will be reconstructed and a public plaza will be incorporated into the project.
“The Silver Spring Transit Center will be a tremendous boost to Silver Spring, to public transportation, and to Smart Growth,” said Montgomery County Council President George L. Leventhal. “This Center has been one of the County’s highest transportation priorities, and we are very grateful to our Federal delegation for their support and success in securing the funds to make this project a reality.”
Traffic studies associated with the project are complete. During construction of the Transit Center, an Interim Operations Facility will be built on the block bordered by Wayne, Ramsey, Bonifant, and Dixon Avenues to allow access to existing bus and other services during project construction. Groundbreaking for the construction of the Interim Operation Facility (IOF) should occur in Fall 2006. Construction of the IOF and the Transit Center will take about three years.
The public sector cost for the Center has been estimated at about $75 million. Funding sources include general obligation bonds, impact tax revenues, state aid, and federal aid.
Release ID: 06-053