Japan commits $2 million toward Baltimore-D.C. maglev study

The Japanese government has pledged $2 million to help fund feasibility studies for a high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) train between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., the Baltimore Sun reported last week.

The news came as Japan and Maryland on Wednesday signed a trade agreement that covers collaboration between the two parties on five key areas: high-speed rail, liquified natural gas, life sciences, trade and investment, and academics, according to a press release issued by Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan's office.

In November 2015, Hogan announced that his state received a $27.8 million grant from the Federal Railroad Administration to study the maglev line. Under the grant terms, no matching state funds are required.

Maryland state officials applied for the grant in June 2015, while Hogan was on a trade mission to Japan.

The maglev train would provide a 15-minute ride between downtown Baltimore and D.C.