The much-anticipated Metro Purple Line, which has been in the works for years, is finally getting a jumpstart with three million dollars in federal funding from a senate earmark.

The money will pay for the initial stages of construction and is enough to ensure that the project begins. It is the first federal funding delegated to the rail’s construction.

“Federal investment in the Purple Line also is good news for thousands of Marylanders, particularly federal employees, currently wasting time, money and gas in gridlock,” Senator Ben Cardin said.

Maryland transportation officials estimate that the total cost will be about $1.7 billion, which will be covered by both federal and state funding. Gov. Martin O’Malley has already set aside funding for the line.

The line will connect Bethesda, College Park, Silver Spring and New Carrollton and will run above ground. Proponents believe it will reduce commuting costs and reduce the number of cars on the road.

Construction is not scheduled to start until 2014.