Maryland lawmakers could override governor veto to help businesses impacted by Purple Line

After months of delay, the Purple Line project in Maryland is expected to kick back into high gear after Labor Day.

Purple Line

Small businesses impacted by Purple Line light-rail construction in Maryland might be receiving some relief soon.

The Maryland state legislature could override a veto by Gov. Larry Hogan on a bill that would allocate $2 million in grants to businesses impacted by Purple Line work in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties. Hogan rejected the measure earlier this year because he said it would have forced him to lay off workers during the COVID pandemic. He was concerned about the shifting of money in the Transportation Trust Fund and the effect that would have on staff and projects at the Maryland DOT.

In the meantime, the Montgomery City Council introduced a $230,000 business grant program.

Small business advocates in the state said the grants still might not be enough to help businesses. They said requirements to receive the loans come with a lot of strings attached.

Construction on the 16-mile light-rail project is expected to pick up pace in Spring 2022.

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