Bill Would Authorize WMATA-Funded Study on Metro to Prince William
Woodbridge, VA. – The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 7 to 1 in favor of Supervisor Frank Principi’s Resolution Number 15 endorsing Board support of “House Resolution 779…which authorizes the long-term feasibility study of extending Metrorail service in Northern Virginia, including extending Metrorail in Prince William County.”
Congressman Gerry Connolly introduced H.R. 779, also known as the “Northern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act,” in February 2015. If authorized, the study would be funded by the Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority. “We must start now to look at solutions to take cars off the roads and attract high-paying jobs. Whether or not we determine that Metrorail is the best solution, we must look at it,” says Connolly.
“Making strategic investments in transportation, including improving and expanding mass transit, is necessary to sustain Northern Virginia’s robust economic growth,” says Prince William Chamber of Commerce Director of Government Relations Brendon Shaw. “The Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ endorsement of Congressman Connolly’s Northern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act sends the clear signal that Prince William County wants to be prepared to accommodate the workforce and economy of the future through comprehensive transportation solutions.”
The County resolution can be read in full at www.NewWoodbridge.org/issues. Prior to the vote, several of the supervisors, including Principi, acknowledged that Metro is at least a decade away from addressing current capacity issues or considering the addition of new train lines. “This is about taking steps now to prepare for our future transportation needs. We must plan ahead,” says Principi, adding that it took 29 years from feasibility study to opening day for the Silver Line to become a reality. “Traffic is the number one concern that I hear from constituents. Metro coming to Prince William is favored by many Woodbridge residents.”
