WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today received the Elizabeth and David Scull Metropolitan Public Service Award from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) for his leadership in securing dedicated funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA).

In 2007, Senator Cardin introduced legislation in the Senate to put WMATA on a sound financial footing.  The legislation, which was enacted into law in October, authorizes $1.5 billion in federal funding over 10 years for Metro.  For every federal dollar, Metro’s funding partners in Maryland, Virginia and The District of Columbia will put up an equal match from dedicated funding sources. 

“This was one of the most important victories to come out of this Congress,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.  “These are difficult financial times and this legislation helps to secure Metro’s financial future.  It also guarantees that the region’s residents and tourists will continue to have access to one of the finest public transit systems in the nation.”

COG also presented the Scull Public Service Award to former U.S. Congressman Tom Davis for his efforts in support of the legislation in the House of Representatives.