Local Chambers of Commerce voice support for Northeast Maglev

Northeast Maglev, the company bringing the Superconducting Maglev (SCMAGLEV) high-speed train project to the Northeast Corridor, joined with the Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Northern Anne Arundel County, and Prince George’s Chambers of Commerce, to announce a partnership offering the business organizations’ support for the first phase of the multi-billion dollar project and the local business opportunities it will create.

Recognizing the SCMAGLEV project as a catalyst for economic development and an innovative solution to the gridlock that makes the Northeast Corridor the most congested region in the nation, chamber executives voiced support for the positive impact the project will have on the area businesses, visitors, residents, and state and local economies. All four chambers represent geographic areas along the proposed high-speed train’s initial route.

The SCMAGLEV will start with a 36-mile route from Washington, D.C. to Baltimore City, with a stop at BWI Marshall Airport. Ultimately, one-hour service from Washington, D.C. to New York City will be available. The project is currently under review by federal, state and local agencies as the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Maryland Department of Transportation-Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT-MTA) prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). Project construction could begin in 2021 if timely approvals are received.

Northeast Maglev Chairman and CEO Wayne Rogers hailed the partnership as a significant moment for the project, saying: “Just as the B&O Railroad was a transformative public transportation infrastructure initiative that benefited companies, communities and citizens of its day and beyond, the SCMAGLEV project will begin in Maryland and make our great state stronger and more competitive. We are thrilled to partner with these four chambers of commerce based on the abundance of local business opportunities the project will create and the new businesses it will attract to the region.”

The four Chambers of Commerce serve more than 1,500 member organizations, representing cities, agencies and businesses throughout portions of Central Maryland interested in the project’s development and the contributions it will make to the business community.

The Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce, an alliance of more than 600 businesses representing a quarter of a million employees in the Washington Metropolitan region, believes this project is win-win for Prince George’s County businesses and reduces vehicular dependence in the country’s second most congested area.

“As the Washington Metropolitan region continues to grow at a fast pace, more businesses and residents are calling Prince George’s County “home,” and this project is a much needed transportation option offering an economically compelling opportunity to change the county and Northeast Corridor in a fundamental way,” said David C. Harrington, President and CEO of the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce.

The Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce represents nearly 400 business and civic organizations throughout a geographic region that includes Glen Burnie, Pasadena, Linthicum, Brooklyn Park, Hanover, and Severn. It also encompasses BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and has several direct routes connecting the area to Baltimore City and the Port of Baltimore.

“In Northern Anne Arundel County, we know firsthand the importance of efficient and reliable transportation. As this area continues to experience rapid growth, we are excited to see a new mode of transportation that will not only relieve road congestion but also create jobs for county residents,” said Tom Balsamo, President of the Northern Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce. “Having a team that is involved in the community, working with our business members on partnerships and engaging the public in this process is key to the long-term success of our area. We are looking forward to working more closely with the Northeast Maglev team on creating a win-win for everyone.”

William Honablew, Jr., executive director of the more than 250-member Baltimore City Chamber of Commerce, touted the potential Northeast Maglev has to create business opportunities for his members as well as jobs for City residents.

"We are proud to be a one of the local business partners working to turn Northeast Maglev’s grand vision into a reality where area companies can play a role during and after construction. And we are excited this project is led by a company headquartered in Baltimore, the hometown of former industry titan B&O Railroad," said Honablew, Jr.

The Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce’s more than 450 members are small to large businesses and organizations that operate and have a vested interest in the economic vitality of Baltimore County and the region.

“With Baltimore County’s small businesses as well as large regional brands, the SCMAGLEV will provide a big boost for expanded transportation and business opportunities at a time when congestion is getting worse and in a way that will increase our sense of connectivity throughout the Baltimore-Washington and U.S. Northeast corridors,” said Brent Howard, President and CEO of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce.

Northeast Maglev is continuing to work to engage members of local communities, listening to residents and addressing concerns while partnering with like-minded organizations that seek to maximize the benefits associated with bringing a high-speed train to the region.

For more information or to request a speaker in your community, visit www.northeastmaglev.com. To support the project, visit www.supportnortheastmaglev.com.