David joined Governor Tim Kaine and other elected officials in Richmond today as Governor Kaine announced the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Commonwealth and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to complete the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, an extension of Metrorail through Tysons Corner, Dulles International Airport, and to Loudoun County.
“Today, we take another step toward completion of the extension of Metrorail to the entire Dulles Corridor,” Governor Kaine said. “Enhanced transit service is an essential part of Northern Virginia’s transportation future, and this extension is vital for the residents and businesses in the Dulles Corridor.”
“I’m confident that this agreement ultimately will deliver Metrorail to Dulles Airport and beyond more quickly and at lower cost,” said David. “Completing Metrorail along the Dulles Corridor is a long-overdue investment that will strengthen Northern Virginia’s economy, better connect communities throughout the region, and improve quality of life.”
In December, the Airports Authority submitted a proposal to assume responsibility for the Dulles Toll Road and both phases of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. The signed memorandum establishes the overall relationship between the partners and the parameters of more specific project agreements to be completed in the coming months..
“Today, we mark a very large step toward the fulfillment of a longstanding vision—not just linking the airport to the region via Metrorail, but to make that same rail service available to all the residents and businesses in the corridor,” said James E. Bennett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.
“As public sector partners, the Commonwealth and the Airports Authority share the common goals of improving transportation in this corridor and meeting the future needs of the entire region,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer. “Today’s agreement guarantees completion of the project all the way to the Airport and well into Loudoun County.”
The agreement guarantees that all revenues generated by the Dulles Toll Road will be used for transportation improvements within the corridor, including the Metrorail extension and roadway improvements. Under the agreement the Airports Authority will continue to consider private proposals for the operation of the toll road and pursue innovative congestion management strategies, including High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes.
