Gov. McDonnell on Changing Legislation re MWAA Board Appointment Rules, May 10, 2011

 

Commonwealth of Virginia

Office of Governor Bob McDonnell

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 10, 2011

Contact: Jeff Caldwell

Phone: (804) 225-4260

E-mail: Jeff.Caldwell@Governor.Virginia.Gov

Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Congressman Frank Wolf Submitting Legislation to Change MWAA Board Appointment Rules

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement today after  Rep. Frank Wolf introduced legislation to allow members of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority to be replaced more easily and to give the Commonwealth of Virginia greater representation on the panel, now a 13-member regional board.

            Wolf’s bill would allow the governors of Virginia and Maryland, the mayor of the District of Columbia and the president to remove board members even if appointed by their predecessor. The bill also would expand the board and increase Virginia’s representation from five to nine members. Maryland would continue to have two members and the District of Columbia three. There are also three presidential appointees.

            “Recent decisions by the MWAA board illustrate that more oversight by Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia is necessary to ensure that citizens’ interests are taken into account when major decisions are made. The shortsighted and fiscally irresponsible decision to expand rail access to the airport via the costly underground route rather than the effective and less costly aerial alignment has been resoundingly criticized by the state and local governments to which the board supposedly is accountable.

            “I applaud Congressman Wolf’s efforts to expand Virginia’s oversight of the MWAA board decision making process, and to enhance the accountability of those chosen to serve on the board so we are assured they are representing the will of the people. He has been a strong and vocal advocate for the Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, as well as the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Extension project, and his vocal assertions that the board’s latest decisions are contrary to the best interests of the Commonwealth and the localities assisting in funding the project should be a clarion call to the board. They must be more financially responsible in their management of this project. 

“I, and the Commonwealth, share Congressman Wolf’s opinion that the project should be managed to give the greatest benefit to the citizens who will use it while minimizing the financial impact to its partners and users of the Dulles Toll Road. All efforts should be made to finish the project on time and at or under budget.” 

            To read more about Congressman Wolf’s actions, visit http://wolf.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=34&sectiontree=6,34&itemid=1723