On behalf of Henry Kay, Director of Transit Development and Delivery, Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)
Dear SAAC member:
On June 24, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) approved the Baltimore Red Line Project to move into Preliminary Engineering (PE). I am very excited about this next phase of the project as it is evidence of the strength of the project and its necessity for the Baltimore Region.
PE began July 1 to coincide with the new State fiscal year. Major activities include completion of the environmental documentation process; preparation of a detailed project definition, scope, and schedule; and completion of a detailed Project Management Plan. At the end of PE engineering plans are about 60% complete. PE is followed by Final Design and Construction.
You may be interested to know that FTA gave the Red Line a “Medium High” rating which means they believe it is one of the best New Starts projects in the country based on its costs, benefits, and MTA’s ability to successfully complete implementation.
I want to take this time to thank you for your work in the Station Area Advisory Committees. The work that you have done and will do as the SAAC process progresses will also put this project closer to construction. Thank you and I look forward to the results of your continued participation in the SAAC process.
For more information on the FTA’s approval to enter PE, please visit the Baltimore Red Line website at www.baltimoreredline.com.