Page 22 - Port of Baltimore Magazine November/December 2016

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“A Baltimore Tradition With Over Seventy-Five Years In The Same Location”
federal monies next year. Not only will it be good for the economy, it’s also very good for the environment.”
“What we’ve learned from this tour is the real understanding of why the tunnel is so important to CSX and our economy,” Maryland Transportation Secretary Pete K. Rahn said. “This line represents the I-95 of CSX Railroad. They have this choke point. The way it’s explained, what would it be like
if you couldn’t take a truck through
the Ft. McHenry Tunnel. That’s how important the Howard Street tunnel is, and that’s why it needs to be fixed.”
Earlier this year, MDOT applied to
a U.S. Department of Transportation grant program called FASTLANE
for federal funding to modify the existing tunnel and associated bridge clearances. While that application was denied, Hogan confirmed the state
is reapplying for the next round of FASTLANE funding, which is expected to be announced in the coming months.
“I’ve personally spoken to the White House about this project,” Hogan said. “I had lunch with Vice President Biden to discuss the importance of this infrastructure project. I discussed it with the President in the Oval Office. Our indications are that our project scored very high, and we just missed the funds last time. We’re going to push like heck to make sure we get them next time.”
With its supersized cranes and deep container-ship berth, the Port
of Baltimore is one of only a few East Coast ports that can accommodate the biggest vessels in the world.
The Port’s next goal is to allow trains carrying containers to be double stacked, which would increase port business and maintain and grow jobs.
It is estimated that this project would create about 500 construction jobs over a five-year period. Following the project completion, it is estimated that about 3,000 jobs would be created as a result of increased business through the Port because of double- stack capabilities.
[20] The Port of Baltimore ■ November/December 2016
HOWARD STREET TUNNEL