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Washington Area Delegation Introduces Final Measure Required to Authorize Dedicated Metro Funding

June 24, 2009
WASHINGTON, DC - The Members of the Washington Metro Area's Senate and House Delegation - Senators Barbara A. Mikulski, Benjamin L. Cardin, Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner, and Reps. Steny H. Hoyer, Frank R. Wolf, James P. Moran, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Chris Van Hollen, Donna F. Edwards and Gerald E. Connolly - introduced companion resolutions this afternoon to ratify the amended interstateWMATA Regulation Compact in accordance with legislation enacted last year authorizing $1.5 billion in federal Metro funding over ten years. The measure, which follows a formal request submitted last week by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia, is the final step required in the authorization process and will obligate the three jurisdictions to provide matching funds for federal appropriations.

"The Washington Metro Area Delegation has long recognized the need to provide Metro with a dedicated funding stream to ensure the safety and efficiency of a system that serves millions of residents and visitors. Given the fact that Metro is the primary public transit system serving our federal workforce, as well as the millions of visitors to our Nation's Capital each year, we believe the federal government must be a partner in providing that investment.

"We succeeded last year in establishing that commitment with legislation authorizing $1.5 billion in federal funding over ten years to be matched by the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. That legislation required the local jurisdictions to amend the WMATA Regulation Compact to reflect the dedicated funding requirement, establish an Office of Inspector General, and provide for Federal representation on the WMATA Board.  The three jurisdictions fulfilled this obligation and last week formally requested Congressional approval of the amended compact - the final step in the authorization process.

"In light of Monday's tragic accident, we believe that this funding is even more critical to provide for the safety of our citizens. We look forward to quick consideration of our resolution in the House and Senate, and will continue to fight for approval of our request for $150 million in federal funds for Metro for Fiscal Year 2010."

Together, the region's delegation has requested $150 million in federal funding this yearfor capital and preventive maintenance projects for the maintenance and upkeep of Metro.  In addition, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act approved by Congress and signed by President Obama in February included $200 million to meet Metro needs in operations systems, IT, maintenance and repair equipment, passenger and maintenance facilities, safety and security, and vehicle servicing.

The authorization for dedicated Metro funding was included in the Rail Safety Improvement Act(H.R. 2095), which was passed last fall and signed into law by President Bush.

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