According to an Associated Press story in today's Washington Times, Gov. Tim Kaine said yesterday that he is willing to discuss modifying plans for the long-awaited extension of Metrorail to WashingtonDulles International Airport if it leads to federal funding. Kaine and members of the Virginia congressional delegation discussed the $5 billion project during a meeting to review major 2008 federal legislative and regulatory priorities. The Times added that the Dulles project was one of several topics at Kaine's private meeting with the delegation. The governor said lawmakers also discussed the state response to federal Real ID regulations and Chesapeake Bay initiatives.
Meanwhile the Washington Examiner reports today that the rejection of federal funding has given hope to supporters of a bus alternative, reporting that lawmakers who support adding a system of swift-moving buses throughout the Dulles corridor, instead of heavy rail, are intensifying their push as the planned Dulles Metro extension falters. With the chances dimming of the 23-mile project?s first phase receiving a key $900 million from the Federal Transit Administration, the argument over bus rapid transit has resurrected on both state and local levels.
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