Graham to Offer D.C. Bill On U.S. Funding for Metro

Metro board chairman and D.C. Council member Jim Graham said yesterday that he plans to introduce legislation next month that would set the stage for Congress to provide a steady stream of much-needed federal funding for Metro.

Congress has authorized spending as much as $1.5 billion over 10 years to maintain the aging Metro system, but the legislation requires that Virginia, Maryland and the District modify the regional compact that governs the operation and funding of the transit agency.

Among other conditions, the three jurisdictions would have to match the federal money from dedicated funding sources and agree to the addition of two federally appointed voting board members. The three jurisdictions also are required to adopt legislation with identical language.

Maryland and Virginia enacted the required legislation during recently concluded legislative sessions. The District had passed a bill earlier, but it was at odds with the two states' legislation. Under the city's version, the federal government would have to provide the funding, not just authorize or promise it, for federal members to be seated on the Metro board.

Yesterday, Graham (D-Ward 1) said the city would change its legislation to conform to Maryland and Virginia's because the federal budget process is underway "and there's no time to lose.

"We don't want any stones in the path," he said.

Metro officials wanted the jurisdictions to move quickly so that the transit agency can ask Congress to distribute the first $150 million as part of next year's federal budget. The earliest a District bill could be introduced is May 5, Graham said. He said he would introduce emergency legislation that could be voted on immediately. Doing so would "send the message that the ball is now in Congress's court and that of the president," he said.

Metro, local government officials and Metro's supporters in Congress hope the Obama administration includes money for the transit agency in the detailed budget that is to be released next month. The House and Senate would have to approve releasing money for Metro.

Metro is the country's only major transit agency without a significant source of dedicated funding, such as a portion of a sales or gas tax. It is also the second-busiest rail system in the country. Over the years, its capital needs have grown tremendously, with leaky tunnels and crumbling station platforms reinforced with two-by-fours. The new money would be used to fix such problems.