There is a sliver of hope among elected leaders in Northern Virginia and Maryland that their respective state legislators will come through with a dedicated funding source for Metro during upcoming General Assembly sessions — but skepticism still runs deep.
While the District has already done its part, pledging to set aside sales tax revenues strictly for Metro, Maryland and Virginia have lagged. And federal legislation providing Metro with $1.5 billion, a bill that U.S. Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., is expected to reintroduced next year, depends on the three jurisdictions ponying up matching funds.
Regional leaders, attending the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government’s annual luncheon at the National Press Club, said Wednesday Metro’s capital needs demand action. And times are changing, they say, with the Democrats taking control of Congress and a Democratic governor, Martin O’Malley, taking over in Maryland.
“I think there is a real desire amongst many of us who represent the Washington area suburbs to have dedicated funding for the Metro system,” Maryland Delegate William Bronrott, D-Montgomery said. “I hope the new governor will embrace that idea.”
The Republican-controlled Virginia House of Delegates should take note of U.S. Sen.-elect Jim Webb’s victory, Fairfax Board Chairman Gerald Connolly said. Northern Virginia voters won the election for Webb, a Democrat.
“It’s got to dawn on the Republican member of the House of Delegates that if they continue down the path they’ve chosen, it’s going to cost their members elections,” Connolly said.
Other Virginians were less hopeful for Metro funding.
“Should there be? Absolutely,” said Falls Church City Council Member David Snyder. “Will there be? I’m afraid it’s politics as usual in Richmond.”
Del. David Albo, R-Springfield, will reintroduce a bill to generate nearly $400 million a year, with the first $50 million dedicated to Metro, through a series of fee hikes on hotel stays, rental cars and property sales, among others. “Someone has to compromise and so far in the House the only compromise being offered is my bill,” Albo said.
Del. Vince Callahan, R-McLean, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, gave Albo’s bill a “50-50 shot.” But a standalone measure for Metro, he said, won’t work.
