As concerned citizens, we were pleased to attend the recent public meeting about the proposed Baltimore Washington Intermodal Rail Facility. This facility will play a major role in Maryland's long-term economic growth by supporting the expansion of the Port of Baltimore and providing additional rail access.

This project is a great example of the public-private partnerships that everyone is talking about, which will help rebuild our economy and infrastructure at a time we need it most. The state of Maryland should look for more ways to maximize taxpayers' money through public-private partnerships like this project. Applying private dollars to deliver public benefits makes sense for Maryland businesses and the jobs and citizens they support.

Though we hope and expect that any homeowners who are economically damaged will be compensated accordingly, we understand that without this facility, Maryland businesses will lose out on access to domestic and international markets as the Port of Baltimore falls behind neighboring states.

Steve Rosenheim

Bobbie McNeal

Ellicott City