Pressure mounts to revisit Dulles Metro decision, Washngton Times, July 6, 2011

ASSOCIATED PRESS U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood issued cost-cutting recommendations for the new Dulles Metrorail station in a July 3 memo that include building a cheaper above-ground alternative. Mr. Lahood’s suggestions would pull the cost from an expected $3.8 billion to $2.7 billion.

 

 

By Paige Winfield Cunningham

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is facing mounting pressure to revisit its decision in favor of an underground Metro station at Washington Dulles International Airport, after U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood issued cost-cutting recommendations that include building a cheaper above-ground alternative.

Mr. LaHood’s recommendation takes the side of Fairfax and Loudoun counties in an ongoing dispute over where to build the new Dulles Metrorail station. Concerned about paying their own share of the project, county officials want the MWAA to opt for an above-ground station that will cost $300 million less than the below-ground station the board approved in April. 

Building a pricier station is only part of the problem. . . .

 Click here for the rest of this good overview of the Phase 2 situation.