Subject
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Adoption of a resolution supporting the City’s inclusion as a project partner in MTA’s Federal Railroad Administration FY 24-25 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program Grant application and authorization for the City Manager to sign a letter of support to be included in the MTA’s FRA grant application
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Department
PW - Traffic & Transportation
Recommendation
Staff recommends the Mayor and Council adopt a resolution to support the inclusion of the City of Rockville as a project partner in the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA)’s Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) FY 24-25 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program Grant application and to authorize the City Manager to sign a letter of support to be included in the MTA’s FRA grant application.
Discussion
The FY 24-25 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program Grant is a U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration discretionary funding program designed to reduce the state of good repair backlog and improve safety and mobility for intercity passenger transportation projects.
The Rockville Metrorail Station Visioning plan was completed by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and incorporated into the approved Town Center Master Plan. The Visioning Plan included an evaluation of development opportunities at the Rockville Metrorail Station and the necessary infrastructure to support it. The preferred alternative, which is included in the master plan, proposes a train hall for MARC and Amtrak riders and a pedestrian bridge that would extend over the WMATA and MARC/Amtrak platforms to improve transit access.
City staff identified this project as a viable grant application for the FY 24-25 Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Program and coordinated with MTA for their support. This project would include studying the bridge and train hall, developing a cost benefit analysis, and preparing preliminary designs.
Concurrently, MTA is preparing an application for improving the Brunswick Line. MTA is seeking funding for study and design of a new westbound platform, track modifications for a third track at the station, and accessibility improvements at Rockville Station. These improvements are a part of the MARC Growth and Transformation Plan which also includes service improvements along the Brunswick Line.
The enhanced pedestrian bridge aligns well with MTA’s proposed improvements and if MTA plans any improvements to the MARC/Amtrack platforms, the new bridge will need to accommodate those changes. Moreover, a train hall will help improve the quality of service for intercity rail passengers going to and from Rockville.
City and MTA staff determined that the best approach for an application would be to include the city’s project within MTA’s application. Combining the projects results in a more competitive application which addresses the three grant program expected outcomes: 1) restore and modernize cost assets to improve the state of good repair, enhance system resiliency, and increase safety, 2) invest in the expansion of long-distance services and passenger rail routes operated by public partners, and 3) improve system operations to reduce trip time and delays, manage travel demand, and improve connectivity. City and MTA staff are meeting with WMATA in December to discuss the project and solicit their support.
As part of the application, all project partners need to provide a letter of support (Attachment 1) indicating funding commitment for the non-federal funds upon selection of the grant awardees. Staff recommends the Mayor and Council adopt a resolution to support the inclusion of the City of Rockville as a project partner in MTA’s FRA grant application (Attachment 2) and to authorize the City Manager to sign a letter of support to be used in the application.
Impact Statements
Equity
Staff anticipate this action would positively impact economic and social equity in Rockville because this project will evaluate improvements for the pedestrian bridge to the Rockville Metrorail, MARC & Amtrak stops. An enhanced pedestrian bridge, which provides access across Hungerford Drive (MD 355) and directly to each of the platforms, eliminates the multiple up-and-down routes of the current bridge and staircase station design, making it more convenient and direct for residents and visitors with mobility devices to access transit. Moreover, improving access to transit often improves social equity because residents and visitors who choose not to, or are unable to, operate a private motor vehicle because of cost, safety concerns, or physical ability will have improved access to transportation in the region. Lastly, an improved pedestrian bridge over Hungerford Drive will encourage more people to use the bridge crossing, a safer option, instead of the at-grade roadway crossing, which often requires transit riders to navigate around high-speed and high-volume motor vehicle traffic on Hungerford Drive.
Environment
This project evaluates an enhanced pedestrian bridge and train hall at Rockville Station, which will improve the quality of transit service at the station and improve access to WMATA, MARC & Amtrak trains. This is consistent with the Climate Action Plan which seeks to maximize transit accessibility and ridership and enhance mobility options. Improved access to Rockville Station will encourage more people to travel to station by pedestrian or other non-motorized modes. A train hall is expected to provide more comfort and convenience to intercity rail passengers, thereby encouraging more people to use regional rail transit for intercity trips instead of private motor vehicle trips. By increasing transit use, Rockville can decrease transportation related emissions in the environment.
Economy
Evaluating the pedestrian bridge and train hall is the first step towards implementation. An enhanced pedestrian bridge and train hall are expected to act as a gateway between the train station and the Rockville Town Center, encouraging more people to visit and patron local businesses. Additionally, the bridge will be available to all residents, regardless of whether they are using transit or not. Lastly, these amenities are an investment in the area and will help leverage future development of the Rockville Station area, helping contribute to economic activity in the area.
Mayor and Council History
This is the first time that this grant opportunity has been raised with the Mayor and Council.
The Mayor and Council adopted the Rockville Town Center Master Plan on January 27, 2025. This Plan included the Rockville Metrorail Station Visioning Plan for development and described the enhanced pedestrian bridge over the rail tracks and train hall, which are components of the MTA application.
Boards and Commissions Review
This item is included on the December 16, 2025, Transportation and Mobility Commission meeting agenda.
Fiscal Impact
If this grant application is successful, the city will be responsible for providing a 20% local match for the portion of the project that includes the evaluation and design of the pedestrian bridge and the train hall. Staff anticipate this portion of the project, including the study and preliminary design will cost $700,000. If the grant is successful, the city match for this project will be $140,000.
Next Steps
If the Mayor and Council approve authorizing the City Manager to submit a letter of support to the MTA for this grant application, staff will submit the signed letter to MTA for inclusion in the grant application by the due date on January 7, 2026. Staff anticipate the awardees will be nominated within six months of the due date.