The Purple Line Limps Along

The state transportation department is telling everyone to chill after rumors of delayed Purple Line plans tore through the county, the Washington Post writes.

The DOT says someone in accounting juggled figures on its annual budget, making it look like funding for Purple Line studies had been tapped. However, the DOT tells the Post that the $30.8 million is still there, only stretched out over an additional two years to 2010.

The Coalition to Build the Inner Purple Line isn't buying it. "The planning study should be expedited--not delayed--so as to break ground on this project within the next four years," the coalition states on its website.

At least the chairman of the county planning board isn't sweating it.

"Thank you!" Royce Hanson cheered when the Post told him that studies would not be delayed. "You saved me from writing an impassioned letter."

Thanks to InnerPurpleLine.com for the map.

"False Alarm Over Project Delays" (Washington Post)