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Maglev funding ban draws broad public‑policy debate; unions, municipalities and minority‑business groups split
Summary
Delegate Nicole Williams' HB 400 would bar state appropriations for a proposed Baltimore–Washington magnetic‑levitation project. Supporters said the state should not risk taxpayer funds; opponents, including project proponents and business groups, argued the ban would close off future options and economic opportunity.
Delegate Nicole Williams presented House Bill 400 on Feb. 14, asking the Environment and Transportation Committee to prohibit Maryland from using state appropriations for a magnetic‑levitation (maglev) transportation system. Williams said she supports mass transit but believes a privately advanced maglev project should be built and financed by private entities, not by Maryland taxpayers.
Supporters at the hearing cited cost, environmental and equity concerns. David Pendleton, a SMART Transportation union director, said maglev proposals would divert dollars from needed investments in existing rail services…
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