Maryland’s transportation chief said Thursday he is negotiating daily with the companies building the Purple Line to try to keep them from quitting the project mid-construction over disputes about delays and cost overruns.
In a video briefing to the Montgomery County Council, Transportation Secretary Greg Slater provided few details of the conference calls, except to describe them as “very focused” and “very productive.” He said the office of Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is following the negotiations closely.
“We’re committed to resolving these issues and delivering the Purple Line to the citizens of Maryland,” Slater said.
A joint venture known as Purple Line Transit Constructors (PLTC) filed notice May 1 that it planned to terminate its contract to design and build the light-rail line because the $2 billion project was more than 2½ years behind schedule. It also said the state has refused to pay any of the $519 million it believes is needed to offset the delays and cover unanticipated costs.
Click here to read the rest of them article written by Katherine Shaver over at the Washington Post