ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, Md. (AP) — Maryland Transportation Secretary James Smith is joining other state, local and Fort Meade officials in breaking ground for a $180 million development to serve the growing number of people using MARC commuter rail service near the Army installation.

The event Monday marks the ceremonial start of construction of the Annapolis Junction Town Center near the Savage station on MARC’s Camden Line.

The project includes a 704-space parking garage, nearly 420 apartments, a 150-room hotel, retail shops and offices. The current MARC parking lot has 978 spaces.

State officials announced the project in 2006.

The lead developer is Somerset Construction of Bethesda. The state transportation department sold 9.2 acres to Somerset at the town center site.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.