Rail for Southern Maryland

By Commissioner Larry Jarboe

Governor Martin O’Malley’s decision not to re-appoint Col. Tim Hutchins and Secretary George Owings III to the respective lead positions in the Maryland State Police and Veterans Administration is a huge loss for the citizens of Southern Maryland.

Both men, from different party origins, have represented the people of our State with the highest ethical standards. Though there is not a single Southern Marylander who sits on our Governor’s cabinet, there is a true ray of hope for the Tri-County area within the O’Malley list of appointees.

The re-instatement of John Porcari to Secretary of Transportation is a good choice for all of Maryland including our region. Secretary Porcari has a solid investment, literally, in St. Mary’s County. He understands our local issues. I am sure he will be an advocate for improved highway, bridge, and future rail infrastructure in Southern Maryland.

As the Chairman for the Tri-County Council, I have witnessed the first real commitment to future passenger rail service in Southern Maryland. Elected officials from all three counties have committed to the rail solution with the existing working tracks and right of way options in Charles County leading the way.

St. Mary’s County has the continuing railroad right of way which can be joined as the existing Charles County tracks are opened to commuters and prove the viability of this concept.

On the other side of the river, Calvert County is supportive of our efforts, but prefers to stay with commuter bus transit.

The rejection of the New Market Park n’ Ride commuter bus lot by the St. Mary’s Planning Commission may have been a huge blessing for the advocates of Southern Maryland commuter rail service.

Those State dollars will be better spent establishing a commuter park n’ ride lot adjacent to existing working railroad tracks. That dynamic exists in LaPlata, White Plains, and Hughesville.

Hughesville has to be the first choice as the bypass has turned the town into a ghost town. Without the stadium as an anchor, there will be no shops or specialty goods stores to bring a sense of vibrancy to the town. A commuter parking lot will divert much of the Charles and Calvert traffic that is backtracking into St. Mary’s County and will provide a future rail stop that will generate both commuter and tourist activity.

The proximity of existing railroad tracks or secured right of way should be the priority for placement of commuter parking lots in Charles and St. Mary’s Counties.

MDOT Secretary John Porcari has enough sense to realize this and make it happen!