Maglev project gets $27.8 million federal grant

Following the governor’s test-ride in Japan, maglev money is flowing in from the feds.
The State of Maryland won a $27.8 million seed grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation to begin feasibility studying for a super-fast train between Baltimore and D.C. The grant allows a private initiative called Baltimore-Washington Rapid Rail to begin planning, conduct engineering analysis and review permitting.
Using superconducting magnetic levitation technology, maglev trains in Japan are capable of traveling at speeds of 300 mph. Backers in the U.S. say the train could make the Baltimore to D.C. trip in 15 minutes. The vision also includes a stop at BWI.

The First Lady & I riding the MagLev in #Japan… I was amazed at how fast it was! pic.twitter.com/hvGL26rrJs

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) June 4, 2015

The Japanese government already pledged $5 billion for the project, but that could only be half of what’s required. A private group called Northeast Maglev is heading up the effort to advocate for the rail. Gov. Larry Hogan was wowed by the commuter train after getting a ride during a visit to Japan earlier this year, and agreed to submit the application for the initial funding on behalf of Northeast Maglev.