ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, April 7, 1997 TAG: 9704070100
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: TYSONS CORNER
Virginia will compete for $1.56 billion to build a 23-mile Metro extension.
Virginia transportation officials are hoping to get $1.56 billion in federal funds to extend passenger rail service to Tysons Corner and Dulles International Airport.
The 23-mile rail line would extend Metro service from the West Falls Church station to eastern Loudoun County. Officials estimated it would carry 115,400 riders a day and cost about $2 billion.
Virginia is offering only $205.7 million, or 10.5 percent, of the total cost. The federal government would cover 80 percent of the cost.
The remainder could be covered by special business taxes around proposed station sites in Fairfax and Loudoun counties, as well as a large contribution from the airport.
Competition for the money is fierce. About $2 billion in uncommitted federal transit funds is likely to be available for rail projects over the next six years. About $40 billion in proposed projects would compete for that money.
Planners said the extension would be run by Metro and integrated with the regional subway system.
-ASSOCIATED PRESS
LENGTH: Short : 35 linesby CNB