The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced that the proposed Baltimore-Washington Superconducting Magnetic Levitation rail line, known as maglev, is no longer happening.
Federal officials cancelled the $26 million in grant funding for the project, as the rail line would have negatively impacted federal agencies and significant infrastructure. “FRA determined the direct effects would have substantial negative effects to agency operations or to important resources managed by federal agencies. In addition, indirect effects would also significantly impair critical infrastructure and operations and ongoing agency missions,” according to a press release from the FRA.
They noted that this decision does not eliminate the possibility of maglev’s future in the U.S., but the Baltimore-Washington route will not be the one to move it forward.
Opponents of the high-speed train were extremely happy with the news. “This outcome is a tremendous victory for our communities,” said Prince George’s County (PGC) Councilmember Thomas Dernoga in a statement.
“I fully support the decision to cancel the SCMaglev project,” said PGC Councilmember Jolene Ivey in a statement. “This project would have caused serious harm to Prince George’s County, displacing wildlife, disrupting neighborhoods and threatening the Patuxent Research Refuge and other natural areas.”
There was widespread opposition to the project in Greenbelt, including from the city council, because of its potential impact on the Forest Preserve.
Many Maryland residents protested the proposed project, citing negative environmental impacts and a big price tag (see April 24, 2025, issue).
Maryland District 22 legislators also issued a statement saying, “It is the result of relentless and unified opposition from our community and elected leaders – a coalition of residents, advocates, faith leaders, council members and state legislators who stood together to protect our neighborhoods, homes and environmental legacy.”
“Let this moment be a reminder of the power of public engagement and what we can achieve when we fight for each other,” they added.
