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Baltimore--D.C. Magnetic Levitation Train Project in Budget Bind (Dominionization),

Baltimore--D.C. Magnetic Levitation Train Project in Budget Bind

.c The Associated Press

BALTIMORE (AP) - Support for a high-speed train with a 20-minute run between Baltimore and Washington appears to be dwindling because of a budget crisis and the region's failed Olympic bid.

The $4.4 billion magnetic levitation train is being edged off Maryland's transportation priorities list, officials say.

``Maglev right now, with the bumps it's encountered ... just doesn't have legs,'' state Senate President Thomas Mike Miller said last week.

Maryland is competing with Pittsburgh to win $950 million in federal money to build the nation's first maglev line. The Federal Railroad Administration plans to pick a winner by next fall; it could be in service by the end of the decade.

A task force is preparing a final report for the governor and lawmakers due next month, but it won't likely be positive.

A 22-page draft report last week details the challenges of the project, like raising state and private money and working with untested technology.

Proponents point out that the project won't need state approval until 2004 when the economy might look better, and argue traffic congestion stands to get worse.

12/15/02 21:19 EST

Copyright 2002 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Tue Dec 24