According to WTOP Radio, "A major hurdle has been cleared for the long-planned Metrorail expansion to Dulles International Airport. The Federal Transit Administration has approved the first phase of the $5.2 billion project, essentially reversing the agency's warning earlier this year that the project might be killed."
The Washington Times reports that the approval is a critical step toward obtaining the necessary $900 million in federal funding for the 23-mile extension, which will be built in two phases. The Times notes that the "proposal now heads to Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters, the Office of Management and Budget and Congress for final approval. Gordon Hickey, a spokesman for Gov. Tim Kaine, a Democrat, said the governor was pleased with the FTA's decision but cautioned 'it's too early to celebrate.'"
Meanwhile The Washington Post quotes Dan Scandling, chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-Va.), "Rail is really coming to Dulles. After so many years and the fits and starts, this is going to be reality. It's going to happen. Which is great news for people who are stuck in traffic."
The 23-mile expansion, which will be called the Silver Line, would be built in two stages. The first phase will run from Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue. The second phase will stretch out to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County.
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Good stuff. I know this isn't the optimal solution for the region, but the Silver Line is a move in the right direction.
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