Laurel mayor opposes high-speed maglev train that could connect Baltimore to DC in 15 minutes

LAUREL, Md. - Laurel Mayor Craig Moe is opposing a project that would run through Prince George's County and connect Baltimore and D.C. with a high-speed train that would take 15 minutes.

Moe sent his letter of opposition to Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan before Christmas.

In the letter, Moe wrote, "The MAGLEV Project as proposed will cut through Prince George's County, taking people's homes and land while seriously damaging our environment."

He goes on to say, "taxpayers need better infrastructure and upgraded services, and not the commitment of funds for another system that serves no one in the greater Laurel area."

On Wednesday night, the Laurel City Council held the first of several public hearings scheduled on a potential resolution to officially oppose the project. Just one person, a representatives of The Northeast Maglev, spoke on the project, setting up a time to address the council in a workshop before a future meeting.

The Northeast Maglev is the private company taking on the high-speed train project, which uses magnets to propel a train at speeds of up to 311 miles per hour. The plan is to connect Baltimore and the District in 15 minutes with a planned stop at BWI Airport. D.C. to BWI Airport would be a six-minute trip.

The project is in the process of undergoing an environmental study funded by a nearly $30 million federal grant. The company plans to begin construction in 2019, according to Kisha Brown, director of community and external affairs for The Northeast Maglev.

Brown said the exact route of the maglev has not been determined, but houses would not be destroyed as a result.

"Although we're in such a small landmass of two percent of the country's landmass, we are 17 percent of the population and we're only growing, and so this area is ripe for high-speed technology," Brown said.

The technology is already being used in Japan, according to Brown.

A second public hearing will likely be held on the high-speed train at Laurel's council meeting on Jan. 22.