WASHINGTON, D.C. – Washington’s Metropolitan Area Transit Authority is asking Maryland to release over $50 million the state has withheld for a month amid ongoing funding disputes.
The Washington Post reports Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld recently sent a letter to Maryland officials requesting funds be released immediately, warning Metro’s credit rating could take a hit.
Maryland was supposed to release $56 million July 1, which was set to go toward new trains and buses. But Transportation Secretary Pete Rahn says Metro has delayed audits and hasn’t provided adequate information about its spending.
The newspaper says the dispute may relate to Gov. Larry Hogan’s view Maryland spends too much on transit rather than roads.
Metro says it’ll better detail how funds are spent in the future, and meet with Maryland officials to negotiate.
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