Letter to The Honorable Bob McDonnell Governor of Virginia

Letter

Rep. Frank Wolf (R-10th) today announced that language creating a permanent inspector general for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is included in an annual transportation spending bill working its way through the House.

Wolf also released a letter to Governor McDonnell recommending two Loudoun County residents as future Virginia appointees to MWAA.

Wolf said the IG language is included in the FY 2013 Transportation Appropriations bill approved by House Transportation Appropriations subcommittee today. Wolf, a member of the subcommittee, in April introduced legislation to create a permanent IG for MWAA in anticipation of the May release of the interim findings of an ongoing IG investigation of MWAA. Wolf requested the IG review last year. The report is expected to be completed by fall.

Wolf said the language in the transportation bill establishes the Department of Transportation IG as the permanent auditor of MWAA and requires the authority to cover the costs. The IG would have complete and total access to MWAA, its board and its contractors and subcontractors.

The full House Appropriations Committee is expected to take up the bill the week of June 18.

In his letter to the governor, Wolf recommended former Virginia Attorney General Mark Earley and Loudoun businessman Lynn Chapman as potential appointees from Virginia to the MWAA board. Virginia is expected to get two additional seats on the board this summer and the term of two of the Commonwealth's current board members expire in November.

Below is complete text of Wolf's letter to the governor:

The Honorable Bob McDonnell
Governor of Virginia
1111 E Broad St Floor 3
Patrick Henry Building
Richmond, VA 23219

Dear Governor McDonnell:

As you continue to evaluate candidates for appointment to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA), I would like to recommend two Loudoun County residents that I believe are worthy of your consideration.

Mark Earley is a respected and faithful public servant, serving in the Virginia General Assembly and holding your former office of Attorney General. He would bring considerable expertise, common sense and a level head to the board. Loudoun businessman Lynn Chapman has lived in Ashburn for many years and has expertise in both finance and engineering. He will be well-equipped to handle the complex range of issues managed by the authority.

While I know there are numerous qualified citizens that could serve on the MWAA board, I believe these two men would faithfully represent the interests of the residents of northern Virginia. I highly recommend both to you.

I also wanted to make you aware of language that is included in the FY 2013 Transportation Appropriations bill that will establish a permanent Inspector General (IG) for MWAA. The language, a copy of which I have enclosed, will direct the MWAA board to pay the salary and expenses necessary for the Department of Transportation to serve as the permanent auditor for the authority.

This IG will continue the excellent work of the current audit team from the Department of Transportation. I believe permanent oversight of the board will help ensure the airports and the rail project continue to be successful.

Best wishes.

Sincerely,

Frank Wolf
Member of Congress

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