Senate Approves $1.5 Billion Plan For Metro Funding

By Lena H. Sun
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, October 2, 2008

The U.S. Senate voted last night to authorize long-sought federal funding for Washington's cash-strapped and aging Metro system, clearing a major hurdle toward providing $1.5 billion over 10 years to help maintain the nation's second-busiest rail system.

The Senate passage is the furthest the measure has advanced since Rep. Tom Davis (R-Va.) began the effort two years ago to secure a reliable source of financial support for Metro.

The bill, part of a major rail safety reform package with billions of dollars for Amtrak, was passed by the House last week and goes to the president for signing. Supporters say a veto is unlikely, partly because of the veto-proof margin of last night's 74 to 24 vote.

Although several other requirements must be met before Congress begins appropriating the funds, last night's vote was critical because the Senate had never voted on the plan. With this step, officials predicted that the federal money could become available next fall.

Metro is the nation's only major transit agency without a significant source of dedicated funding, such as a portion of a sales or gas tax. The money would be used to buy rail cars and buses, and repair leaky tunnels and deteriorating station platforms.

"Metro is back on track," Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.) said in a statement. "Today we have taken a giant leap forward in securing dedicated funding for Metro so that it can meet the needs of the federal government, the millions of tourists who visit our nation's Capital, and the businesses that rely on the country's second-busiest rapid transit system."

The legislation requires that Virginia, Maryland and the District each dedicate $50 million a year for 10 years to Metro. The District has set aside a portion of its sales tax revenue for its share, and Maryland's portion is included in the state's capital transportation budget.

Virginia's lawmakers have failed to come up with a statewide plan for funding transportation. This week, however, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) said the state would provide its share. State law requires the commonwealth to fully match federal transportation funds, Kaine said, adding that Metro funding would be a top priority even if that meant reallocating money from other transportation projects.

The developments mark the most progress so far in providing $300 million a year for 10 years in federal and state funds to keep trains, buses and stations working.

"This could not come at a better time," said a statement from Davis, who will retire from Congress in January. "As we have learned in recent weeks, Metro is in dire need of . . . an infusion of funding. Train cars and buses must be replaced. Platforms are crumbling. . . .We need to stabilize the future of Metro, and this goes a long way toward addressing its long-term needs."

More than 1.2 million train, bus and paratransit trips are taken on Metro on an average weekday. About 40 percent of rush-hour riders are federal workers, or almost 200,000 people, and officials have long argued that Metro is vital to the federal government and therefore deserves more federal dollars.

"Securing a federal investment to ensure the safety and efficiency of this system is long overdue," said House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md).

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.