Rockville council designates Rockville Metro as state TOD site, backs federal rail grant to study pedestrian bridge and train hall

The Rockville Mayor and Council unanimously voted to designate the Rockville Metro Station and surrounding area as a Maryland Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) site and authorized the city manager to sign a letter supporting inclusion in a Federal Railroad Administration grant application.

City planning staff, led by Manisha Tawari, told council the state TOD designation would make local projects eligible for the Maryland TOD capital grant and revolving loan fund and other technical assistance. "The fund provides local jurisdictions with funding for either design planning up to $250,000 or construction of public infrastructure improvements at an eligible TOD site up to $1,000,000," staff said. The program requires a 10% local match and awards additional procurement and low-income housing credit advantages to designated TODs.

The council also approved the city joining the Maryland Transit Administration's FRA grant application to pursue a study and preliminary design for a pedestrian bridge and a train hall at Rockville Station. Brian Barnett Woods, principal transportation planner, said the proposed project would evaluate replacing the aging pedestrian bridge, study a train hall footprint and perform the cost‑benefit and preliminary design work needed for a federal grant. He said coordination with MTA, WMATA, Amtrak and CSX is already underway and that the earliest study start is 2027 at the quickest.

Council members pressed staff on sequencing and equity: Councilmember Valeri questioned why Rockville Station was chosen ahead of Twinbrook and asked whether both could be prioritized. Staff and several council members said Rockville Town Center is more advanced with an approved concept plan and master plan, and that Rockville's multi‑modal features (including MARC and Amtrak access) made it a more competitive initial candidate. Several council members requested timelines and committed to seeking a near-term plan for Twinbrook after the state responds to Rockville's application.

Councilmember Van Grack moved the TOD resolution and the motion passed unanimously by voice and hand vote. The council likewise approved joining the FRA grant application and authorizing a letter of support to the MTA, again by unanimous vote.

Next steps: staff said the city will submit the TOD application to the state portal immediately and that the state review typically takes about three months; staff also said they will return with site-ready project lists and a timeline for pursuing Twinbrook designation.