D.C.'s Airport-Rail Link Threatened By Fears of Another 'Big Dig'

Despite recent findings by consultants that a plan to extend the Washington D.C. metro rail system to Dulles International Airport would qualify for full funding, federal officials are hesitant to approve it, fearing another Big Dig.

1 minute read

January 18, 2008, 9:00 AM PST

By Nate Berg

"Officials with the Federal Transit Administration say they are concerned about the price tag and the specter of another Big Dig, the Boston project built by the same contractor in charge of the Dulles rail line, which took years longer and cost millions more than planned, according to the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the negotiations are sensitive. In addition, the agency has been reluctant to promote large-scale transit projects."

"State and local officials, as well as project advocates, say they are ready to meet any requests by the federal government. Officials slashed $300 million from the budget in September."

"News that the rail plan is still at risk has surprised its backers, who said they thought the FTA was satisfied that the project's cost, ridership estimates, contract details and management met agency criteria. A consultant for the FTA, Hill International of Philadelphia, recently submitted two draft reports that sign off on a host of technical details, said sources who have spoken with the consultant."

"'We can see no reason why the project would be rejected at this point,' Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) said."

FULL STORY: Federal Qualms Leave Dulles Rail at Risk

Thursday, January 17, 2008 in The Washington Post

Government / Politics Infrastructure Transportation District of Columbia

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