Maryland Transit Administration Administrator Holly Arnold told the Montgomery County delegation that Purple Line construction is “now 82% complete,” with track and station work advancing and the Capital Crescent Trail at 63% completion.

Arnold said the Purple Line small‑business grant program has awarded more than $1.5 million to 146 businesses and is accepting applications for a third round through Nov. 7; the program is expected to invest $4 million over the coming years. She also said MTA has funded design work for MARC reliability improvements, including the Silver Spring turnback.

Delegation members pressed MTA on neighborhood impacts from construction. Delegates described a recent flooding incident tied to an unmarked utility at a Purple Line excavation site and urged faster claims processing and contractor accountability. MTA staff said they are prioritizing claims through contractor insurance and relocating affected families; officials said systems testing and integration — not vehicles — remains the main schedule risk for revenue service target in 2027.

County and municipal leaders asked MTA to accelerate the Capital Crescent Trail handoff to the county once joint inspections and punch‑list work are complete. MTA said vehicles are on site and that system integration and testing will determine the final start of revenue service.

What happens next: MTA said the third round of small‑business grants is open to applicants through Nov. 7. County and state staff agreed to continue joint oversight of construction impacts and to prioritize outreach and claims processing for affected residents and businesses.