WASHINGTON (AP) - A federal judge dealt another blow to the proposed purple line light-rail project in D.C.'s Maryland suburbs.
The judge on Monday ordered more studies on the possible effect of declining subway ridership.
The judge's order puts construction of the 16-mile line on hold. Work has been delayed 7 months because of a federal suit filed by opponents of the line to connect Montgomery and Prince George's counties.
The Washington Post reports that Maryland officials have said they needed a favorable ruling by June 1, or they would have to suspend much of the rail project's planning and design work because state money would run out.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican, said in a statement that the ruling is disappointing and will cost Maryland hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars.
