Rail To Dulles

Finally, a deal has been reached that will extend Metrorail service to Dulles International Airport.

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) will finance the project using revenue generated from the Dulles Toll Road. The rail line is expected to be completed by 2015.

It appears as though it is mainly a state/federal project with localities having very little input into the project. Gerald E. Connolly, chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors was quoted as saying, "There is no mechanism in this proposal for our having any input in this whatsoever."

On Monday the the Fairfax County board passed a resolution calling for both Loudoun and Fairfax to have a voice on construction, maintenance, operations, improvements and future toll increases.

For the complete story, please click here. Also, the The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority website has several documents pertaining to the agreement. The can be found here.

The official press release from the MWAA states that the Airports Authority Dulles Corridor Proposal will:

· Expedite completion of the Dulles Metrorail project in the Corridor to Dulles Airport and beyond to Route 772 in Loudoun County;

· Acquire from the Commonwealth its easements in the Corridor, including the Dulles Toll Road all of which is constructed on them;

· Take all operation responsibility, including toll rate-setting, for the Toll Road;

· Assume all outstanding debt on the Toll Road;

· Take responsibility for the Commonwealth's remaining share of financing for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Dulles Metrorail project;

· Finance and construct needed improvements to the Toll Road and Dulles Corridor; and

· Retain for transportation uses in the Dulles Corridor all revenue generated by the Toll Road.