USA: It seems that the constant worries and uncertainties about the Washington Airport rail link project has drawn to a close, as Loudoun County Board, a major objector of the project, has voted 5-4 to extend Metrorail into the county, giving the $6 billion Dulles Rail project the green light to move forward to Dulles Airport.

Today’s vote means that Loudoun County will have to contribute $270 million toward construction costs and $10 million a year for operating expenses.

In a separate 7-2 vote, the board created a special tax district to help pay for the rail line. Occupants of the district, which surrounds the future Metro stations, will pay up to 20 cents per $100 of the assessed value of their property toward the rail line.

Commenting on the news, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Board Chair Catherine Hudgins has released the following statement:



"On behalf of the Metro Board of Directors, I want to congratulate Loudoun County for their historic vote today.

"As the Metro Board moves forward with strategic planning efforts to support the region, we look forward to continuing to work with Loudoun County as an important partner at the table. The Dulles extension of the Metrorail system will support growing transportation demands, putting Loudoun County and Washington Dulles International Airport on the Metro map.

"For more than three decades, we have witnessed the incredible benefits that come from having Metro in our communities - from serving as a catalyst for economic development and smart growth, to improved mobility and reduced congestion. Today’s vote enables the long planned extension of the Metrorail system along the Dulles Corridor, with the companion benefits, to now proceed."

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