Washington Area Congressional Delegation Applauds Subcommittee Approval of $150 Million for Metro

WASHINGTON, DC - This evening, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development approved $150 million in federal funding for Metro capital improvements and preventative maintenance -- the full amount sought by Members of the Washington Metro Area's Congressional Delegation. The action, which must now be approved by the full committee before it is voted on in the full House, represents a significant step in approving the first installment of the 10-year, $1.5 billion in dedicated funding for Metro authorized last year by Congress. The region's House delegation - including Reps. Steny H. Hoyer, Frank R. Wolf, James P. Moran, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Van Hollen, Donna F. Edwards and Gerald E. Connolly - applauded the action and released the following statements.

"This action enables the House to make good on the promise of providing dedicated funding for Metro to assist with critical preventative and capital needs," stated Congressman Hoyer (D-MD). "Keeping Metro operating safely and efficiently is a priority for the region and the federal government. I applaud Congressman John Olver, Chairman of the THUD Appropriations Subcommittee, and committee members for recognizing the need for this investment. The delegation will continue working together to see that this funding maintains support as we move through the appropriations process."

"This is a positive first step," said Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA).  

"At this critical and tragic time in Metro's history, I am pleased to see that Congress has stepped up to meet its commitment to provide its share of authorized funds.  This is the nation's subway and the federal government has an essential role to play," said Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA).

"Chairman Olver has done some heavy lifting to find funds that were otherwise unavailable in order to respond to the Metro tragedy this month," said Congresswoman Norton (D-DC). "Federal and congressional employee's, regional residents and millions of visitors, including House and Senate constituents, deeply appreciate the effort of Chairman Olver and the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development for providing the funding urgently required to get ‘America's Subway' to a state of good repair."

"The entire Washington area delegation has long advocated for federal funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.  In light of the recent tragic accident, this funding is more necessary than ever," said Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). "I urge my colleagues to support this important investment in America's subway to ensure the safety of all its riders."

"I thank the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development for moving quickly to approve this funding for Metro capital improvements and preventative maintenance," said Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards (D-MD).  "Metro provides critical public transportation to thousands of workers, residents, and tourists who use the system daily.  In the wake of the tragic events of June 22^nd, my colleagues and I from the region are dedicated to ensuring that Metro receives the funding necessary to provide the safest, most reliable service possible." 

"I applaud Chairman Olver and the subcommittee for recognizing the importance of dedicated funding for Metro," Rep. Connolly (D-VA) said. "It is vital to preserving our region's economic vitality, maintaining our quality of life, and ensuring that this vital transportation option remains viable and safe for the next generation of Washington area citizens and visitors."

Metro has received approximately $10 billion in Federal funding over its history, much of which was for construction of the 106-mile system.  The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act enacted in February included $200 million for the system.  Last year, Congress authorized $1.5 billion in dedicated Federal funding over 10 years for capital and preventive maintenance.  The legislation required the local jurisdictions to amend the WMATA Compact to commit to providing matching funding, create an office of Inspector General, and enable the appointment of Federal representation on the WMATA Board.  In late June, the delegation introduced companion resolutions to ratify the compact amendments.

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