This story was corrected on Nov. 19, 2009. An explanation follows the story.

The prospect that the Purple Line light rail project might be built in phases has raised concerns among Town of Chevy Chase officials.

During a recent meeting with the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA) about the project, Councilwoman Pat Burda said the idea was raised that the portion of the project running from downtown Bethesda to Silver Spring might be built first. The portion east from Silver Spring to Prince George's County might have to be delayed if enough funds aren't available, she said.

"Our concern is of course that they're going to do this and they're not going to have the money to build it all the way out," Burda said.

The Purple Line light rail would connect Bethesda to New Carrollton via Silver Spring over 16 miles of light rail. It is estimated to cost $1.67 billion. Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) approved the light rail option for the Purple Line in August, over the objections of the town and others who argued it would not solve traffic problems while damaging the Capital Crescent Trail.

The proposal is currently being considered by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), while the town has discussed the possibility of filing a lawsuit that could stop light rail.

Since the FTA has also been asked to fund the Red Line light rail project in Baltimore and will soon be asked to fund the Corridor Cities Transitway transportation project from Clarksburg to the Shady Grove Metro station, Burda said there was an ongoing concern about money available for the Purple Line.

Phasing is a possibility, according to Purple Line project manager Mike Madden at the MTA, and a segment from Bethesda to Silver Spring would probably be built first, since it has the highest projected ridership. One of two maintenance and storage facilities for the project is also between Bethesda and Silver Spring, at the Lyttonsville station just east of Rock Creek Park. But the MTA does not anticipate being required to build the project in phases.

"As far as I can think of, the funding would be the only reason," Madden said.

Development plans are also moving ahead along the Purple Line route. On Oct. 13, County Councilman George Leventhal, a light rail supporter, motioned successfully to require a new development plan for Chevy Chase Lake, an existing commercial site with a supermarket at the proposed Connecticut Avenue station, by 2011 instead of the previously proposed 2013 date.

"I think there is interest and concern in the community about what will occur there, and I think it's a valuable exercise sooner rather than later," said Leventhal (D-At large) of Takoma Park.

Beginning in January, the MTA will also begin holding small community meetings with various stakeholders, including trail advocates. Burda said the town has raised the speed of the trains, as well as its desire to have elevated trail crossings at Elm Street and Lynn Drive so that high school students can travel safely, as important issues.

A comment on the possible redevelopment of Chevy Chase Lake, attributed to Edward Asher, was removed. Asher is no longer president of Chevy Chase Land Company, which owns Chevy Chase Lake.