CALL TO ACTION!

Top— Rosslyn-Ballston apartment complex above retail outlets and restaurants

 

Bottom—Clarendon café within pedestrian-friendly outlet

DULLES METRO IN JEAPORDY - “FTA NEGOTIATED IN BAD FAITH”
Call the White House TODAY: (202) 456-1111

Summary of FTA & VA Delegation Meeting, from those in attendance:

· It was obvious that they never intended to approve the project, and for 18 months had negotiated in bad faith.

 

· The DOT officials made it clear that they thought WMATA (Metro) should have run the project, but they also noted that they did not consider WMATA (Metro) able to run its own business effectively.

· The USDOT had not expected the Airports Authority to be able to manage the project’s costs, and when we did, then all these other sub-plots emerged.

· It was incredible that something so important to our region was just dismissed by political appointees who won’t be there in a couple of months.

· It was noted that the focus needs to be on the money.

· The Airports Authority also noted that every request made of them by the Federal Transit Administration had been fulfilled.

· Present at the discussion were Virginia Legislators, representatives of Governor Kaine, aviation leaders, and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority officials, who hosted the breakfast.  All were rock solid in their support of the project and determination to find a way forward.

FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION JEOPARDIZES MASS TRANSIT IN DULLES CORRIDOR.   FTA LETTER OPPOSES FEDERAL SUPPORT FOR PROJECT.

 

VIENNA, Va. – The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce is extremely disappointed in the Federal Transit Authority’s failure to support a federal contribution for the Dulles Rail project.  FTA’s position that it will deny federal participation in the project is a serious challenge to the most important transportation improvement in the region and the Chamber’s top transportation priority.

 

“Given the extent of the FTA’s documented concerns and the changing nature of their objections over the last several weeks it would appear that political ideology has trumped common sense when it comes to the administration’s support for the project, “ said William D. Lecos, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Chamber.  “It is extremely disappointing that while acknowledging the critical need for mass transit in this corridor the federal commitment to the solution falls so far short. Unlike most projects in this country where the federal government is asked to assume between 50% and 80% of the costs this was an opportunity for them to be a 20% partner in a project with profound benefits for their workforce and their community,”  Lecos concluded.

 

The Dulles Rail project is critical not only as a transportation alternative in the corridor but more importunately as the foundation for managing the region’s future growth in a manner that reduces congestion and ends sprawl which are constant concerns for the area’s residents.  There is no question that the land use changes made possible only by connecting the fastest-growing area of the Greater Washington Region with mass transit will preserve greenspace, reduce environmental impacts, preserve our neighborhoods, and sustain the economic vitality of the region. Further delay of this project puts at risk the many benefits this facility will provide, as there is an inextricable link between the transportation facility and future land use opportunities in Tysons Corner and the Dulles Corridor.

 

The Chamber applauds the tremendous work of our Congressional delegation and the Governor in their collective efforts to resolve FTA’s concerns and secure their support for the project.

 

 

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