The Observer Newspapers | Metro Was 'A Long Time Coming'

March 13, 2009

Metro Was 'A Long Time Coming'

By Leslie Perales

Observer Staff Writer

No matter their politics, many local leaders were in agreement about the final funding agreement for the Metro Silver line being signed on Tuesday. "It's been a long time coming, but now it's a certainty," said Del. Ken Plum (D-36).

While there have been struggles with the project, which was nearly killed a little over a year ago, many are rejoicing knowing there are no more roadblocks in the way of the first phase of the project. "We have had a number of milestones over the last couple of years leading up to the final funding agreement but this is the big one," Plum said. "This is the big day, this is the day we get the names signed on the dotted line." He said though there will be some negatives that come with the construction the end result will be much better for the region.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on Tuesday signed an agreement which will provide $900 million in federal funding of the $3.1 billion project. The first phase of the project will extend the Metro from the West Falls Church station to Wiehle Avenue in Reston. Plum said having the Metro in Reston will add new possibilities for those living in the area, including new business opportunities. "The accessibility to Tysons and D.C., for Reston and Herndon residents will bring a whole other dimension to the way we live, work and play," he said.

Rep. Tom Rust (R-86) said getting to this point of the project has been "a long hard road with many twists and turns but perseverance won out and I am very, very pleased that we got the federal funding for the first phase." He said there will be more work ahead to ensure the second phase of the project is planned for and completed as soon as possible. Rust said the next critical step for those near phase two, including Herndon residents, is to create the second tax district that will help support the system. "Hopefully now that people see that phase one is a reality that will move that process along," he said.

Rust said transportation issues in Northern Virginia are so critical that nothing should slow down the momentum of the Silver line. He said continued support from local leaders and communities is essential and he is glad area representatives have been able to work together. "It's been a cooperative venture," Rust said. "Everyone's participation was critical. It shows that people can get things done when we all work together."

Hunter Mill district Supervisor Cathy Hudgins said, "I am delighted and relieved. I think this is a clear certainty for us and I think it's the right thing at the right time for us." She said most would like the Silver line to be available much sooner than the 2013 projection but many are still happy about what the project will bring to the Dulles corridor, Northern Virginia region and the local economy.

Hudgins said the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors finished working out the last special exception cases that were necessary for the design of the rail stations and have also authorized for funding to be collected from the first tax district. "People are going to start seeing much more serious construction after six months or so," she said. However, phase two cannot come soon enough, she said.

In a press release Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10) said, "Today has been a long time coming, but the reality is that rail will serve Dulles Airport and Loudoun County." He said the project will make a huge difference in helping to ease traffic congestion in the region and will improve the quality of life for many Northern Virginians.

"I want to once again express my appreciation to former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, former Senator John Warner and the governor for all the energy and effort they have put into making this project a reality," Wolf said. "Their leadership—and commitment—was essential to getting us to where we are today." Wolf, a senior member of the house appropriations committee, has helped secure more than $250 million for the project.

Once both phases of the project are finished the Metro will extend into eastern Loudoun County from the Tysons Corner area. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will operate the first phase of the project while MWAA will operate phase two of the Silver line. Phase one will include five new stations, improvements to an existing rail yard, 64 new rail cars and 2,300 parking spaces at the Wiehle Avenue station.