Deal Reached to Finance Metro Final Leg to Dulles Airport

Several news organizations have reported that federal, state and local officials have reached a deal on how to fund the final, nearly $3 billion phase to extend Metrorail from Reston to Dulles International Airport.

Fox News reported the agreement calls for Virginia to commit $150 million in state funds, and the federal government will provide loan assistance to the local governments and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Future increases in tolls on the Dulles Toll Road will help pay for the project.

 “This is a huge win for the Washington metropolitan region,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement. “This project will create thousands of good paying jobs, bolster the economy, and relieve traffic congestion in northern Virginia," The Washington Post reported.

The financial arrangement must be approved by state and county governments, The Post said.

The new Silver Line, a new 23-mile subway line that will run from East Falls Church to Dulles Airport and serve Tysons Corner and Reston, is under construction in two phases.  Construction has already begun on the first phase which will bring four new subway stations to Tysons Corner including two in McLean. The first phase from East Falls Church to Wiehle Road in Reston is scheduled to open in 2013 and serve as catalyst for the transportation of Tysons Corner to a new high-rise city.

Read the complete Fox News Report. Read the complete Washington Post story.