Metro News Release

For immediate release: January 9, 2009

Metro prioritizing needs for Economic Stimulus Package

Federal funds would help pay for much-needed capital improvements

Metro is working to prioritize capital projects that would be eligible for federal funding under President-elect Barack Obama's proposed Federal Economic Stimulus Package.

Metro's Board of Directors yesterday (January 8) endorsed a list of projects and authorized staff to respond appropriately to specifics of the legislation once it is finalized.

The endorsed capital needs, estimated at $530 million, were originally identified in November 2008 as unfunded capital needs that are eligible for federal funding and ready to be implemented within 90 days. Funding of Metro's capital needs would support numerous federal priorities, including creating jobs, addressing infrastructure needs, supporting safety and security readiness and supporting energy independence.

Some of the projects identified as eligible for federal funding would allow Metro to:
• Purchase buses, paratransit vehicles, maintenance vehicles and components for rail cars;
• Replace, repair and expand maintenance facilities such as bus garages and rail car storage facilities;
• Repair and improve passenger facilities such as station platforms, escalator canopies, stairs, elevator access and credit card readers;
• Expand security systems and purchase additional emergency tunnel evacuation carts;
• Procure maintenance and repair equipment for Metrorail track and rail cars;
• Replace deteriorating operating equipment like fare collection equipment and signage; and
• Procure hardware and software to improve maintenance efficiencies, monitor network traffic and protect WMATA systems for disaster recovery.

Metro has $11 billion in capital funding needs over the next decade. The agency is working with local governments to develop a funding plan.

"Metro needs the federal government's investment to keep Metro running and spur economic recovery not only in the Washington region, but across the country through the purchase of American-made products," said Metro General Manager John Catoe.

Metro is currently facing an operating budget shortfall of $176 million in FY2010 and is considering cutting hundreds of jobs as well as train, bus and paratransit service.

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News release issued at 3:42 pm, January 9, 2009.