Maryland News - 5/2/2016

[TexasTowelie]

For faster train travel, Amtrak wants to fix railway bottleneck

Baltimore election chief defends primary process amid criticism

In chaotic 2016 election, Baltimore Greens hope to harness voter frustration

Maryland seeks federal OK to speed ex-inmates' Medicaid access

Annapolis begins inspecting its public housing

Salary hikes, more police but no tax cut in $1.4B Anne Arundel budget

[elleng]

1. replacing the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge project could take up to a decade

While Congress has funded the relatively inexpensive planning studies, replacing the Susquehanna River Rail Bridge project could take up to a decade and cost between $800 million and $1 billion, according to Amtrak estimates. The B&P Tunnel is a $4 billion project. Neither has been funded for construction.

[TexasTowelie]

2. While it is a costly proposition to undertake

there seems to be sufficient need to justify spending the money that will not only enhance passenger travel but also the freight lines that run on that route. While there is some impact on the residents in that area, this is a situation where eminent domain should come into play. Paying to move a few dozen people so that thousands are able to travel along the NYC-DC corridor is a worthwhile investment.

[elleng]

3. No doubt.

'Maintenance,' deferred or not, is a critical undertaking in all endeavors. Too often it is ignored, as people 'think' it's easier to kick difficult issues under the rug. I suspect this 'habit' will run us all under HUGE woes.