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I'm not the least surprised to see Governor McDonnell bowing out of paying for Phase 2. The minute I learned the Silver line was being built in 2 phases, and that the second phase ended seemingly non-sensically just short of the airport it, it was clear to me that Virginia was doing the economically sensical thing. For years this line has been touted as the Dulles metro line .. i.e., a way for people to get from DC (and the core) to out 'other' airport via Metro rail. The fact that Virginia was expected to pay for this line in the first place was surprising. But if Virginia were to pay, it would make sense they'd only do so if it meant getting people to THEIR destinations ... such as Tyson's Corner. So, since VDOT got to define the project, they logically defined it in phases that would guarantee that the federal government would pay up if the final connection to the airport was going to happen. So, am I surprised Va. is bowing out of paying phase 2? No. Should Va. even be expected to pay phase 2? Of course not. This would have all been easier and more transparent if the feds had taken responsibility for paying for this extension in the first place.

by Lance on May 15, 2012 5:45 pm • link • report