Maryland Board of Public Works approves $400 million for Prince George’s County Blue Line Corridor development

By Megan Sayles,
AFRO Business Writer,
msayles@afro.com

The Maryland Board of Public Works on Jan. 25 approved $400 million in bond funding for the Maryland Stadium Authority’s (MSA) economic development of the Blue Line Corridor, which will result in the construction of sports and entertainment facilities in Central Prince George’s County. 

The memorandum of understanding between Prince George’s County and the MSA for the new project was the first item approved by the board, which is comprised of Governor Wes Moore, Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Treasurer Dereck E. Davis. 

“I’m going to take this personal moment to tell you how excited I am about this item agenda because this is going to be an economic game changer for Prince George’s County, the state and the community surrounding the Blue Line Corridor and a great win for our state and for our region,” said Moore in the public works meeting. 

The Blue Line Corridor project’s proposed facilities include a central library, cultural center, magnet charter school, athletic field house, market hall, civic plaza and a new stadium near the existing Fedex Field.  

Aside from new construction, Prince George’s County is also investing in projects throughout the Blue Line Corridor, like infrastructure improvements to Metro stations and a new state-of-the-art cancer center in Largo, Md. 

“In 2021, I set a new economic growth vision for Prince George’s County— a vision focused on growing jobs in our commercial tax space, while also securing affordable housing. Along with these goals, we want to provide greater access to amenities that Prince Georgians have awaited for decades,” said Angela D. Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive, in the public works meeting. 

“The Blue Line Corridor is the anchor initiative of our vision for economic growth and for good reason.” 

Alsobrooks added that Prince George’s County intends to become the economic engine of Maryland and the larger metropolitan region. 

The Blue Line Corridor, when finished, will be a world-class sports, entertainment and cultural destination that will attract visitors from all over the country, according to Alsobrooks. 

“With the approval of the Memorandum of Understanding between Prince George’s County and the Maryland Stadium Authority, we look forward to collaborating on this endeavor, which include the feasibility, design, development and construction of proposed sports and entertainment facilities in Central Prince George’s County along the Blue Line Corridor,” said a spokesperson from the MSA. 

“The cost of the work will be financed through MSA in accordance with the Blue Line Corridor Bond Act,” the spokesperson said. “When completed, the Blue Line Corridor is expected to inspire further economic development, increase tourism and provide enjoyment, enrichment, education and business opportunities for Marylanders.” 

Megan Sayles is a Report for America corps member. 

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