Legislation could move Metro closer to dedicated funding

WASHINGTON -- Metro riders would love to have fewer breakdowns, more room on trains and buses and platforms that aren't being held up by 2x4s. The transit agency could be one step closer to obtaining a dedicated source of funding that could deliver it, if the D.C. Council passes legislation soon to be introduced.

Last fall, Congress signed-off on $1.5 billion for Metro over 10 years. In order to receive that funding, Virginia, Maryland and D.C. all have to pass the same legislation saying they will match the $1.5 billion over 10 years, and that they'll allow federal representation on the Metro Board.

Virginia and Maryland have passed legislation that mirrors one another, but the District took issue with the some of the specifics regarding the federal representation on the Metro Board. As long as there is a discrepancy in the legislation between the three, the federal funding can not go forward,

However, D.C. Council member and Metro Board Chairman Jim Graham now says he will introduce legislation in the D.C. Council next month that will match what Virginia and Maryland have already passed. Graham is confident it will pass, thus giving all three jurisdictions the same voice when it comes to the terms of federal funding.

"When I became chairman of the Metro Board, I said my highest priority would be to land this money," says Graham.

It became clear that the District would have to be flexible when it comes to allowing federal members on the Metro Board, even during fiscal years when there aren't new federal funds being allocated to Metro.

"It is not ideal, but it is just too critically important not to do this. The federal representation is not very important compared to the money," says Graham.

Graham plans to introduce his new legislation at a council meeting May 5.

If President Barack Obama introduces the dedicated funding item as part of his budget in a few weeks and Congress approves it, Metro could start seeing new federal monies Oct. 1.

"Now the ball is in their court," says Graham.

All of the $3 billion would go toward Metro's capital budget, which deals with repairing, replacing and maintaining the system's aging infrastructure. The money does not go to the operational side of the system, which deals with how often trains and buses run.

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