Fall 2017 SCMAGLEV Open Houses  
 
Dear Friends,  
 
     I wanted to make sure that you all have seen the information on the next round of Open House meetings regarding the MAGLEV Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being prepared by the Federal Railroad Administration and the Maryland Department of Transportation. This EIS is required under the National Environmental Policy Act passed in by the U.S. Congress.
The two Open Houses closest to our area are:  
 
Saturday, October 14 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Student Center at Bowie State University, 14000 Jericho Park Rd, Bowie, MD 20715  
 
Tuesday, October 24 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Cafeteria at Laurel High School, 8000 Cherry Ln, Laurel, MD 20707  
 
     If above dates do not work for you, please see the complete list below. It is very important that citizens provide public feedback for this Environmental Impact Statement. "NEPA requires Federal agencies to consider environmental effects that include, among others, impacts on social, cultural, and economic resources, as well as natural resources. Citizens often have valuable information about places and resources that they value and the potential environmental, social, and economic effects that proposed federal actions may have on those places and resources." 
This is an excerpt from " A Citizen's Guide to the NEPA Process" which can be found in its entirety here.  
   
You can find additional details regarding the Open Houses in the letter below.   
 
     As always, please email me at   [email protected] or call 301-858-3101 if you have questions or comments.  
 
Sincerely,
Geraldine Valentino-Smith
Delegate Geraldine Valentino-Smith
6 Bladen Street Room 427
Annapolis, MD  21401
301-858-3101/410-841-3101
 
 
Dear Delegate Valentino-Smith:
 
The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) are in the early stages of preparing an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to study the feasibility and potential impacts of a new high-speed rail system. The high-speed, superconducting magnetic levitation (SCMAGLEV) system is proposed by a private company, Baltimore Washington Rapid Rail (BWRR). The SCMAGLEV system would operate between Washington, DC, and Baltimore, Maryland, with a stop at BWI Marshall Airport.
 
The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration (MDOT MTA) invites you and your constituents to attend, discuss, and provide comment on the project with SCMAGLEV team members at any of the upcoming Open House meetings.
 
At the meetings, you can review and comment on the:
 
* Preliminary alternatives screening analysis results
* Overview of alternatives recommended for detailed study
* Technology and engineering features
* Preliminary station information
 
A short presentation and video will begin approximately 30 minutes into the open house style meeting and continue playing throughout.  The Project Team will also be available to answer questions as you review maps and other project materials.
Join us at any of the locations between the hours below. Each of the open house meetings will have the same materials and information. 
 
·October 14 (10:00 am - 1:00 pm)
Bowie State University, Student Center
 
·October 16 (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Arundel High School, Cafeteria
 
·October 18 (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Catholic University of America, Pryzbyla Center
 
·October 24 (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Laurel High School, Cafeteria
 
·October 25 (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Digital Harbor High School, Cafeteria
 
We welcome your input and encourage you to identify and discuss project-related issues throughout the planning process. If you are unable to attend one of the meetings, we encourage you to submit comments at any time through the website, www.bwmaglev.info, which will be updated to include all of the meeting materials.  SCMAGLEV mailers containing the meeting information above will be sent to your constituents on October 2nd.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the MDOT MTA Office of Governmental Affairs at 410-767-3189. We are happy to help.

Eric R. Backes       
Deputy Director - Office of Governmental Affairs
Maryland Transit Administration
6 Saint Paul Street 
Baltimore, Maryland 21202-6806
Office : 410-767-2536  Cell:  443-473-2616
The Maryland Department of Transportation is a customer-driven leader
that delivers safe, sustainable, intelligent, and exceptional transportation
solutions in order to connect our customers to life's opportunities.  
The Maryland Transit Administration, providing safe, efficient and reliable
transit across Maryland with world-class customer service.
 


By Authority of Friends For Geraldine Valentino-Smith, Elizabeth Ryan, Treasurer