Virginia legislators agree on funding for Metro

Delegate Tim Hugo, who represents part of the Prince William County area, reports that his HB 1539 was included in a conference committee of Senators and Delegates.

“I am happy to report that a bipartisan agreement has been reached to increase funding and implement necessary reforms to Metro. We were able to meet Virginia’s full funding goal without raising taxes. The funding is tied to key reforms like cost-reduction measures, better oversight, and WMATA Board governance. Virginia’s funding is contingent on Maryland and D.C. meeting their regional obligations for Metro,” he said in a news release.

According to Hugo, “the final bill says Metro would get the money only if it meets requirements to improve governance and financial management. Virginia would withhold 35 percent of the new money if Metro asks for more than a 3 percent annual increase in the state’s subsidy of the transit system’s operating budget. The bill also would streamline Metro’s board of directors by reducing the role of nonvoting members.”

“The reforms were included to ensure that the problems that Metro has experienced over the last decade do not reoccur,”  Hugo was quoted as sying.

Reach Hugo .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call him at 703-815-1201.