Metro News Release

For immediate release: September 25, 2008

Metro General Manager pleased with actions by Congressional delegation

Renewed efforts for dedicated funding for Metro

The U.S. House of Representatives passed rail legislation (HR 2095) yesterday (September 24) that included a provision to authorize $1.5 billion in federal funding for Metro over 10 years for capital improvements and critical maintenance. Similar to stand-alone legislation introduced last year in both the House (HR 401) and Senate (S 1446), the provisions in this bill renew efforts to provide dedicated funding to help maintain the Metro system in a state of good repair so that Metro can continue to efficiently serve this region, including the federal workforce, which constitutes a substantial portion of its riders.

“We are grateful to our entire Congressional delegation and others in Congress who understand the importance of protecting the substantial investment the federal government and the National Capital region have made in the Metro system. Metro is an asset designed to serve the federal workforce and the National Capital Region,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe following passage of the bill.

Nearly half of all Metrorail stations are located at federal facilities and nearly half of peak ridership consists of federal employees.

“A safe, secure, and reliable Metro system is also a critical component for ensuring the continuity of federal operations during an emergency,” he said.

The bill now moves to the Senate.

News release issued at 9:30 am, September 25, 2008.