DOT 33-08
Friday, March 7, 2008
Contact: Brian Turmail
Tel.: (202) 366-1621

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine Regarding the Status of the Federal Review of the Proposed Extension of Metro to Dulles Airport

“The Department and its Federal Transit Administration continue to evaluate the request for federal funding to support the first phase of the extension of the Washington, DC-area Metro to Dulles International Airport. Constructive dialogue is ongoing to address outstanding concerns that Transit Administrator James Simpson most recently raised about the project in January. While we remain concerned about several elements of this project, officials with Virginia, the Airports Authority and Metro have provided information that we are in the process of reviewing,” said Secretary Mary Peters.

“I am pleased with the productive dialogue that is under way amongst our professional staff and look forward to the process moving forward as quickly as possible,” said Governor Tim Kaine.

Secretary Peters added that “officials with the Department and Virginia are committed to completing their evaluation and addressing concerns as quickly as possible, and the final decision will fully reflect the statutory requirements we have to serve the needs of this region’s commuters and protect the interests of all taxpayers.”