RICHMOND — Nearly all of Virginia’s lawmakers who represent Fairfax, Arlington and Alexandria are petitioning the state’s congressional delegation to restore $150 million in federal funds for Metro.
“This isn’t purely a Northern Virginia issue,” said Del. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax. “Northern Virginia is the economic powerhouse of the commonwealth and Metro is a major part of that economic strength.”
Surovell and 24 other legislators signed a letter urging the delegation to “do all you can” to ensure the funding continues.
Last week, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly proposed legislation that would have restored $150 million in federal matching funds for safety and infrastructure improvement — part of a deal brokered by former U.S. Rep. Tom Davis — but the proposed amendment was ruled out of order by Republican House leadership.
Two Fairfax Republicans — Dels. Jim LeMunyon and Tom Rust, signed onto the letter, while three – Tim Hugo, Barbara Comstock, and Dave Albo — did not.
Surovell also called on Gov. Bob McDonnell to help in the push. McDonnell has said he opposes the cuts, though he backs House Republicans’ wider goal to trim federal spending.
