LA PLATA, Md. (July 16, 2009)—In a meeting held July 8 at his Capitol Hill office, U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) applauded the Charles County Commissioners’ efforts to bring passenger rail transit service to Waldorf and White Plains from the Branch Avenue Metro Station. Senator Cardin voiced his staunch support for the initiative, as well as several other priority issues on the Commissioners’ agenda.
Commissioner Vice President Edith J. Patterson (District 2) started the meeting by providing Senator Cardin with an overview of the state of Charles County, including the County’s economic and technology growth.
Commissioner Gary V. Hodge (District 4) briefed Senator Cardin on the progress Charles County has achieved with the passenger rail transit initiative, including the fact that Congressman Steny Hoyer (D-MD) requested an appropriation of $2 million in the FY 2010 budget to begin detailed studies that need to be completed before a request for federal funding to build the rail line can be presented.
Senator Cardin responded with an enthusiastic endorsement of the rail transit project, emphasizing that his support for Congressman Hoyer's appropriation request is “a done deal.” He added, “we will fight hard to help [Congressman Hoyer] with that request.”
Senator Cardin also underscored his commitment to help secure federal stimulus funds for priority projects in Charles County, including the Maryland Airport Terminal, the Indian Head Science and Technology Park Infrastructure Connection, and the construction of sewer treatment plants. Senator Cardin went on to say that we need some "lasting benefit" to come out of this federal stimulus program.
Commissioner Patterson provided an update on a proposed affordable housing project in the Nanjemoy area. Commissioner Samuel N. Graves, Jr. (District 1) discussed the Charles County Rural Housing Initiative, which is aimed at assisting homeowners in obtaining loans to install indoor plumbing in their residences. Both the rural and affordable housing projects will address needs in several districts throughout the County.
On both housing matters, Senator Cardin promised to lend assistance. “We’ll work with you on this [housing issue],” he said. “We need to be creative.”
Senator Cardin was also briefed on the status of the Greater Baden Clinic, which recently received federal stimulus funding that enables the Nanjemoy Clinic to remain open for two years.
The meeting with Senator Cardin is one of several annual meetings the Commissioners convene with elected State and federal government officials to discuss pertinent issues of mutual interest regarding Charles County.
Source: Charles County Commissioners