The Maryland Department of Transportation has begun awarding grants between $1,000 and $40,000 to businesses affected by the construction of the Maryland Purple Line.
According to officials, the four-year Purple Line Small Business Grant Program will invest $4 million in qualifying businesses along the Purple Line corridor.
MDOT received more than 450 applications for the first round of 100 grants and made the awards after a competitive selection process, based on the business owner’s demonstration of need and proximity to the priority impact areas.
Businesses that did not receive an award during the first round of funding or businesses that did not apply are encouraged to submit an application in the next funding cycle, which opens June 2, with applications due by June 27, 2025.
“Maryland’s investment in the Purple Line represents a tremendous economic growth opportunity that will connect communities from Bethesda to New Carrollton,” said Maryland Transportation Secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld. “These grants will support small businesses whose operations are impacted by construction to ensure they are ready to thrive once the Purple Line opens.”
MDOT officials report that the 16-mile Maryland Purple Line light rail project is currently 76 percent complete, with over 80,000 feet of track installed and all 21 stations under construction.
Eight light rail vehicles have arrived for dynamic vehicle testing at the Operations and Maintenance Facility in Glenridge, with the fleet’s remaining 20 scheduled to begin arriving this month.
The Maryland Purple Line is slated to begin service in winter 2027.
Photo Courtesy of the Purple Line Project