GOVERNOR HOGAN: Good afternoon, everybody! Great to be here with all of you. Thank you, Stephen. It’s great to be here on this exciting day at the city of Baltimore in the State of Maryland. Talking about our economy and recent national survey named Maryland as the single-most improved state for business in America. Based in large part on our focus on infrastructure, technology, and innovation.
Today we’re seeing all of that. A promise of potential on full display as we break ground on this transformative project to modernize, revitalize historic Penn Station. And I want to sincerely thank Stephen Gardner, Bill Flynn, and the Penn Station partners. Everyone who has been involved in developing this bold vision of this site. To this massive project here today. Earlier this year to be part of the celebration of the anniversary of Amtrak. As was mentioned at the 8th busiest station in the country, Penn Station is an important part of Amtrak’s history and its future. And it’s also a shining example of investing in infrastructure matters. It matters to our national, state, and local economies. It matters in the lives of everyday Marylanders and Americans. It’s about been 110 years since Penn Station opened. Nearly 40 years since any kind of renovation has taken place. Proud to invest in this project, help modernize Baltimore city’s most important transportation hub. This project will preserve the history of Penn Station will also continue to advance our efforts for the recovery, growth, and revitalization of this city.
In addition to a modernized station for Amtrak and MARC passengers, the long-term vision of this site, office space, retail, residential or hotel space, which will be jobs, hope, and new opportunities to this community. Think about how hard we all worked over the last years as far as economic development. This is exactly the type of project that symbolizes just how far we have come. And this project harnesses the strength of the public and private sector, that builds on the partnership of the federal, state, and local levels. Job creation potential and associated economic and transportation benefits are an absolute came changer in the region. The project is the B and P Tunnel which connects Penn Station to Washington, DC and Virginia is 148 years old. The current B and P tunnel, the diesel engine and the automobile. It’s also in state of disrepair. Lack of fire and safety systems. In Washington, DC. Delays for Amtrak and MARC passengers. Amtrak and MARC train service are absolutely critical for the region and state.
Earlier this year I drafted our transportation secretary who immediately had discussions with Amtrak on a historic partnership to finally replace the 148-year-old B and P tunnel here in Baltimore.
[ Applause ]
Will help generate 30,000 jobs. I’m so pleased to help break ground on this project, both of which will be instrumental in our continuing to revitalize infrastructure. I want to say congratulations and thank you to everyone involved for making today possible. And I would like to ask Bill Flynn to come up here so I can present him with a Governor’s citation.
Thank you very much.
[ Applause ]
Today we’re seeing all of that. A promise of potential on full display as we break ground on this transformative project to modernize, revitalize historic Penn Station. And I want to sincerely thank Stephen Gardner, Bill Flynn, and the Penn Station partners. Everyone who has been involved in developing this bold vision of this site. To this massive project here today. Earlier this year to be part of the celebration of the anniversary of Amtrak. As was mentioned at the 8th busiest station in the country, Penn Station is an important part of Amtrak’s history and its future. And it’s also a shining example of investing in infrastructure matters. It matters to our national, state, and local economies. It matters in the lives of everyday Marylanders and Americans. It’s about been 110 years since Penn Station opened. Nearly 40 years since any kind of renovation has taken place. Proud to invest in this project, help modernize Baltimore city’s most important transportation hub. This project will preserve the history of Penn Station will also continue to advance our efforts for the recovery, growth, and revitalization of this city.
In addition to a modernized station for Amtrak and MARC passengers, the long-term vision of this site, office space, retail, residential or hotel space, which will be jobs, hope, and new opportunities to this community. Think about how hard we all worked over the last years as far as economic development. This is exactly the type of project that symbolizes just how far we have come. And this project harnesses the strength of the public and private sector, that builds on the partnership of the federal, state, and local levels. Job creation potential and associated economic and transportation benefits are an absolute came changer in the region. The project is the B and P Tunnel which connects Penn Station to Washington, DC and Virginia is 148 years old. The current B and P tunnel, the diesel engine and the automobile. It’s also in state of disrepair. Lack of fire and safety systems. In Washington, DC. Delays for Amtrak and MARC passengers. Amtrak and MARC train service are absolutely critical for the region and state.
Earlier this year I drafted our transportation secretary who immediately had discussions with Amtrak on a historic partnership to finally replace the 148-year-old B and P tunnel here in Baltimore.
[ Applause ]
Will help generate 30,000 jobs. I’m so pleased to help break ground on this project, both of which will be instrumental in our continuing to revitalize infrastructure. I want to say congratulations and thank you to everyone involved for making today possible. And I would like to ask Bill Flynn to come up here so I can present him with a Governor’s citation.
Thank you very much.
[ Applause ]