Governor Wes Moore has announced a significant initiative to advance transit-oriented development at the Bowie State MARC station in Prince George’s County. The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has issued a request for proposals aimed at creating a community-centered transit project that will expand affordable housing, boost economic development, improve connectivity, and enhance access to transit.
“This project represents Maryland’s continued commitment to sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and housing near transit,” said Governor Moore. He emphasized the partnership with Prince George’s County and Bowie State University as a foundation for building a connected and inclusive community.
The 4.6-acre site west of the Bowie State MARC station is set to become a mixed-use community centered on public transit and the expanding Bowie State University campus. The redevelopment could support up to 670 construction jobs, create over 400 housing units, and generate $108 million in state and local tax revenue.
Maryland Department of Transportation Acting Secretary Samantha J. Biddle highlighted the importance of finding the right development partner to transform the area into a hub where people can live, work, and learn. The selected team will focus initially on affordable housing on state-owned land and lead a master planning process for broader development.
The master plan will be supported by $1.5 million from the Transportation Trust Fund and will include evaluating long-term opportunities, identifying funding strategies, and advancing key infrastructure improvements such as an extended MARC platform and new pedestrian bridge connecting to Bowie State University.
Bowie State University President Dr. Aminta Breaux expressed pride in partnering on this transformative vision, which aligns with their Economic Development Plan’s goals of innovation and community vitality. As Maryland’s first HBCU with an annual economic impact exceeding $351 million, Bowie State aims to deepen its role as an anchor institution.
This joint development project is part of MDOT’s Transit-Oriented Development Program under the 2024 MARC Penn Line TOD Strategy. It aims to add up to 42,000 annual MARC trips upon completion. Transit-oriented development remains a priority for Maryland as it seeks to build more connected communities that reduce congestion and promote equity.
MDOT recently launched the Transit-Oriented Development Capital Grant and Revolving Loan Fund, awarding $1.25 million in its first round for projects in Reisterstown, Odenton, and North Bethesda. A new round of funding is expected soon.
Proposals for this initiative are due by October 14th. More information can be found on MDOT’s website at mdot.maryland.gov.
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