CLIENT Amtrak
DURATION August 2021 - Present (Expected 2035)
LOCATION Baltimore, Maryland
SECTOR Transportation
CHALLENGE
The Baltimore and Potomac (B&P) Tunnel, located in Baltimore, is nearly 150 years old and is the oldest tunnel Amtrak inherited on the Northeast Corridor (NEC). The existing 1.4-mile tunnel, connecting Baltimore’s Penn Station to West Baltimore MARC station and then to Washington and Virginia to the south and Boston to the north, suffers from a variety of age-related issues. Excessive water infiltration, a deteriorating structure, a sinking floor and the lack of fire and life safety systems to help keep passengers safe in the event of emergencies are only a few of the reasons Amtrak needed to find solutions to this transportation challenge.
ENHANCING ECONOMIC POTENTIAL
The construction of a new tunnel, to be named after Maryland native Frederick Douglass, has the potential to be an economic driver and lifeline for West Baltimore. Many people and families will benefit from workforce training, new construction related jobs, and improved local and regional transportation infrastructure. The Program consists of new and improved rail tracks, a new ADA-accessible West Baltimore MARC station and modern fire and life safety systems. Providing $50 million for community investments projects in West Baltimore highlights Amtrak’s commitment to leaving the area better than when the Program started. This work could include community development grants for non-profit organizations, park improvements, community gardens, public art, streetscape improvements, and enhancements for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
EARLY ACTIONS
ASSEDO’S IMPACT
The communities in West Baltimore have a long history of disinvestment and isolation, often in the name of transportation improvements that are marketed for the greater regional good. Following a planning process that met with community members, elected and agency leaders, and other interested stakeholders, the implementation of the plan (start of construction) is still challenged by an understandable amount of distrust, concern, and fear. Assedo is leading a team of engagement professionals in a grassroots level process that will involve telling the community the plan and then working with Amtrak to deliver on the promises made to leave West Baltimore in a better place – both physically (in terms of infrastructure) and economically (in terms of investments in the people who live in this place) than it was.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS
● Development of a strategy to review, assess, and award Community Investment funds to entities serving West Baltimore
● Grassroots engagement with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders throughout West Baltimore
● Coordination with City Agency, Elected, and Faith leaders to enhance program elements.
● Proactive series of public sessions of varying sizes to solicit input from program stakeholders
● Creation and delivery of social media brand to increase recognition of the Program and Amtrak to the larger community
