Letter to Bob McDonnell, Governor of the State of Virginia - Restore Funds for Metro Safety and Infrastructure Improvements

Letter

Dear Governor McDonnell,

I write to invite you to join me in opposing legislation that would eliminate the federal government's $150 million commitment for Metro, which would threaten the economic prosperity of the Commonwealth and undermine critical transportation investments on which we have partnered.

House Speaker John Boehner is bringing the Full Year Continuing Appropriations Act for 2011 (H.R. 1) to the floor for consideration this week. Of particular concern to our shared constituents is the proposal to eliminate the federal government's next installment for Metro's capital needs as outlined in the Rail Safety Improvements Act of 2008.

As you know, any reduction in the federal commitment for Metro could unravel the partnership among the Commonwealth, Maryland, and the District of Columbia to fund vital safety and infrastructure improvements throughout the Metro system. The Virginia delegation along with you and your predecessors have consistently worked in a bipartisan fashion to obtain and now preserve this funding, and it is through this partnership that both the federal government, the States and the District will realize a greater role in the oversight and safety of Metro. The success of Metro is vital to the mobility of commuters and commerce throughout Northern Virginia, which has economic ramifications for the rest of the Commonwealth. This funding also will help support the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project, another critical economic investment on which the federal government and the Commonwealth are partnering.

In many ways this proposal resembles the arbitrary decision by the Defense Department to shutter the Joint Forces Command in Hampton Roads. Though that action is centered on one region of the Commonwealth, its ramifications will affect all Virginians, and you were right to enlist Virginia's Congressional delegation to respond in a united, bipartisan fashion. I am proud to work with you and my colleagues as we continue to fight that decision, and I now would urge you to reach out to the delegation again with respect to this misguided assault on Metro.

I also would encourage you to reach out to Speaker Boehner and House leadership to educate them on the irreparable damage this action could have on the Commonwealth's economy and transportation needs. While I am pleased that President Obama recognizes the value of this partnership and has continued to fund the federal government's commitment to Metro in his proposed budget for fiscal year 2012, the threat to this funding in fiscal year 2011 is now pending before the House of Representatives. I have introduced an amendment that would restore these critical funds, and I welcome your efforts to join me in fighting this proposal.

Sincerely,

Gerald E. Connolly

Member of Congress
11thDistrict of Virginia

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