The Maryland Transit Administration is extending the public comment period on the Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Purple Line because of requests from residents and project partners.
The MTA, which is in charge of the 16-mile light rail that will extend from Bethesda to New Carrollton, made the announcement on Monday, saying the move was made in coordination with the Federal Transit Administration.
Maryland transportation officials are in talks with federal officials about funding part of the estimated $2.2 billion project.
The MTA released the FEIS on Sept. 6. Public comment periods are required to last 30 days, which would have put the end of the period on Oct. 7. MTA officials are sure to face a wealth of comments about business and home displacements, the placement of infrastructure and light rail crossings with roads and trails.
Closer to Bethesda and Chevy Chase, many are unhappy with the loss of trees construction of the system will likely mean for the Georgetown Branch Trail extension, on which the Purple Line will be built.
MTA officials are not required to respond to comments that they’ve responded to in previous commenting periods.
Photo via MTA
