Rep. Tom Davis, R-Va., ranking member and former chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Rep. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., and House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., took a big step toward acquiring maintenance and capital funding for Metro when an amendment they offered passed the House of Representatives as part of legislation to fund Amtrak, the nation’s passenger-rail corporation.
The amendment passed, 295-127. The underlying bill passed, 311-104.
The Davis-Van Hollen-Hoyer amendment – which incorporated the National Capital Transportation Amendments Act offered earlier by Davis – would provide $1.5 billion over 10 years for capital improvements and maintenance of the system. The funding, which can be used only on the present system and not on expansions such as the plan to build rail to Dulles Airport, is contingent on Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia joining to match the federal contribution.
To ensure accountability, the legislation also would establish an inspector general for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and add four federally appointed members to its board of directors.
Davis said a federal role in Metro funding is appropriate given the system’s history, mission and ridership. President Eisenhower signed legislation in 1960 that provided for development of the regional transit system. The federal government provided nearly two-thirds of the funds to construct the 106-mile system.
About half of Metro’s rush-hour riders are federal employees and contractors. The General Services Administration requires agencies to locate near Metro where possible. More than 50 federal agencies in the Washington area are located within walking distance of Metro stations, and Metro posts its largest ridership figures on days when it moves visitors to historic events, such as the funeral of Ronald Reagan, Independence Day celebrations and presidential inaugurations.
"A world capital deserves a world-class transit system, and this will make certain we have one," said Davis. "A fully funded Metro will ensure the federal government can continue to function in case of natural or man-made disaster, and it will enable the system can meet increased demands fueled by high energy costs."
"The Washington Area Metro system is a critical national and regional asset that serves area residents, employees of the federal government and millions of annual visitors to the Nation’s Capital," stated Congressman Hoyer. "There is a clear federal interest in ensuring that ‘America’s Subway,’ which was created by Congress, is able to operate safely and efficiently for years to come."
"This amendment boosts federal support for the Washington Metro at a time when record gas prices make access to reliable public transportation more important than ever," said Van Hollen.
To watch Congressman Van Hollen's speech, please click here.