On Wednesday’s agenda for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is a recommendation about where to put the Dulles airport train station — or, how much exercise you’ll get walking between the to-be-built Silver Line and your terminal.
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton is on the side of your health — or, your hassle, sweat and frustration, depending on the perspective. (Before shooting off an indignant email, it should be noted that he’s also on the side of saving a significant chunk of taxpayer change.)
Connaughton sent a letter to MWAA on Tuesday expressing his clear support for building the station above ground at the airport’s north garage, as opposed to below ground and nearer to the airport terminal. That would mean a longer walk for riders to and from the airport, but a cost savings of about $600 million.
“In this time of continued fiscal restraint it is imperative that the MWAA Board sow financial responsibility and select the least cost alternative,” he wrote.
The board will make its recommendation tomorrow, and will cast a final vote in early April.
