Senate Approves $1.5 Billion Plan For Metro Funding

Although the House has passed the Metro funding authorization three times, the measure had been blocked in the Senate by Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who objected to what he considers an earmark for Metro. This year, the Metro provision was included in a broader bill with rail safety reform measures prompted by last month's commuter train crash in California that killed 25 people.

Among those voting against the bill was Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.). Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) voted for it.

With Senate passage imminent, Virginia's Kaine said in a radio interview this week that state law requires that "no federal money be left on the table." As a result, Metro funding will automatically become a "top-tier project."

Federal action comes at a critical time for the 32-year-old transit agency. Ridership is surging as many parts of the system are nearing the end of their useful lives.

Last week, Metro General Manager John B. Catoe Jr. outlined more than $11 billion in capital projects that the system needs over 10 years to maintain, expand and improve service. Metro has enough capital funds through July 2010. After that, the jurisdictions served by Metro will need to come up with additional funds.

Dedicated funding would end Metro's yearly pleas to local jurisdictions for money to maintain the system. Fares from passengers go toward the operating budget.

Catoe and Metro board members praised yesterday's passage. Noting that almost half of the 86 Metro stations are at federal facilities, Catoe said in a statement: "A safe, secure and reliable Metro system is also a critical component for ensuring the continuity of federal operations during an emergency."

Said Metro Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman: "This is a big step forward in addressing the needs of the Metro system."

Board member Jim Graham also praised the move, saying, "Without this, we can do nothing."

All three jurisdictions have to amend the governance agreement on Metro to include identical language -- down to the last comma -- on how they would provide their dedicated funding. That means Virginia and Maryland must complete that work during their 2009 legislative sessions to take advantage of next year's federal appropriations process, officials said.

The federal legislation also shores up management of Metro by codifying the inspector general position and adding four federal representatives to the board: two voting, two nonvoting. The board has 12 members, six voting and six nonvoting.

The bill also includes a provision to improve cellphone coverage in the subway system. Within one year, the 20 busiest underground Metro stations would be required to have cellphone access for all carriers. Currently, only Verizon or Sprint roaming customers can receive signals.