Md. Withdraws Funding For Double-Stack Rail Cars

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Transportation officials say Maryland has pulled all funding for a proposed double-stack rail facility and ended its agreement with CSX to build a facility in southwest Baltimore.

Transportation Secretary James T. Smith Jr. said in a statement Thursday that $30 million in capital funding and remaining planning funding of $1.45 million will not be included in its draft six-year budget.

Smith says the Department of Transportation and CSX have worked for five years to bring double-stack rail transportation to the Port of Baltimore's Seagirt Marine Terminal.

But after plans were announced to build a facility in southwest Baltimore, residents and businesses complained about the potential negative effects it would have on the area.

CSX said in a statement Thursday that it's working toward a solution that will benefit everyone involved.

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