VIRGINIA BRIEFING

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

DULLES RAIL

Backers Encouraged by U.S. Report

A Federal Transit Administration report issued yesterday left unrated the proposed rail line to Dulles International Airport, which supporters viewed as a sign that the $5 billion project might win federal approval.

The FTA's annual report assessed various transit projects seeking federal funding.

Backers of the 23-mile Dulles extension expected the report to give it a failing grade because of recent warnings from federal regulators that the project was unlikely to qualify for $900 million in U.S. funds.

Several congressional sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of negotiations, said they were pleasantly surprised with the report.

FTA spokesman Wes Irvin said it would have been "unfair" to give Dulles rail a poor rating in the report, which was assembled in the fall as the agency awaited information from Virginia about the project's cost, management and timeline. "It was a snapshot in time from November," he said.

-- Amy Gardner

LOUDOUN COUNTY

Board Backs Bill on Illegal Workers

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors voted yesterday to support state legislation that would require public contractors and subcontractors to verify through a federal database that employees are eligible to work in the United States.

In a 5 to 4 vote, the board passed a motion supporting the bill, which would mandate termination of contracts of businesses employing illegal workers and would bar them from holding public contracts for one year.

The bill is in committee in the House of Delegates.

-- Jonathan Mummolo

FAIRFAX COUNTY

Body of Man Found Near Beltway

The body of an unidentified man was found yesterday near the Capital Beltway in Fairfax County, but police said there were no obvious signs of trauma and or foul play.

A highway work crew discovered the body about 10:40 a.m. in a wooded area near the outer loop's exit ramp to eastbound Little River Turnpike in Annandale.

A Virginia State Police spokeswoman said it was difficult to determine how long the man had been there because of the recent rain and varying temperatures. The man was fully clothed, spokeswoman Corinne Geller said.

Police are working to confirm the man's identity and notify his family, and an autopsy will be performed today to try to determine how he died.

-- Tom Jackman