A third lawsuit tried to halt the Purple Line light rail project in Maryland, but it was just the latest lawsuit to get tossed by a judge.
"A federal judge in Maryland has rejected the third and final lawsuit brought by opponents of the state’s Purple Line project," reports Katherine Shaver.
The plaintiffs, the nonprofit Friends of the Capital Crescent Trail, Chevy Chase resident Leonard Scensny and former Chevy Chase resident John M. Fitzgerald, "alleged that the Corps permit allowing dredging and other work in streams and wetlands is illegal under the Clean Water Act," according to Shaver.
The string of lawsuits managed to delay the final completion date for the project substantially over the years, but the project now looks cleared to begin a phased opening in late 2022, according to Shaver. "The ruling resolves the final lawsuit against the 16-mile light-rail project, meaning that construction may proceed unimpeded between Bethesda in Montgomery County and New Carrollton in Prince George’s County."
FULL STORY: Judge dismisses third — and final — lawsuit against Purple Line project
Court Ruling Could Be a Final Setback for Maryland Purple Line Extension
A recent ruling by a U.S. district court could be a deathblow for the 16-mile Purple Line extension into Maryland, as well as for transit planning in general.
Study: Montgomery County Needs Dedicated Bus Lanes, Rail Extension
A report from Montgomery County planners prioritizes the need for a robust network of bus lanes and the extension of the Red Line to accommodate the region's growing population and reduce car trips and congestion.
Connecting Maryland and Virginia By Transit
Bethesda and Tysons, in Montgomery County, Maryland, and Fairfax County, Virginia, respectively, look like neighbors on a map, but they lack a direct transit route. That could change.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
USDOT Waters Down Self-Driving Car Regulations
The agency is reducing reporting requirements for autonomous vehicles and cars with self-driving features, prompting concern among safety advocates who say transparency is essential to the safe deployment of AV technology.
‘Minnesota Nice’ Isn’t so Nice When You Can’t Find a Place to Live
The Economic Development and Housing Challenge Program can help address the scourge of homelessness among Indigenous people.
NYC Open Streets Organizers Call for City Support
The number of open streets projects has dropped year after year as volunteer groups struggle to fund and staff them.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service