After its blaring headline the other day declaring the Metro to Dulles project's "approval" following a "stark reversal" by the federal government, the Washington Post now says the rail line has "miles to go" and "hurdles to clear" before it moves ahead. In short, this thing isn't even close to being a done deal yet. Here are just a few of the obstacles, according to the Post article:
1. "U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters's demand that Virginia and its neighbors address the Metro system's nearly $500 million in unfunded capital needs." Where's this money going to come from? Nobody seems to know.
2. With regard to point #1, "That is in addition to $1 billion of [Metro] repairs and infrastructure needs already identified and slated for completion by 2010." Where's THAT money going to come from? Nobody seems to know.
3. "The federal bill, though, is being blocked by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Okla.), who objects because he considers the funding to be an earmark." How's this going to be resolved? Nobody seems to know.
4. Four possible lawsuits, challenging: a) "Virginia's transfer of the Dulles Toll Road," b) "the taxing district established in Tysons Corner," c) "the airports authority's right to build the rail line," and d) "the findings of the project's environmental impact statement." How long will these lawsuits drag on and how will they be decided? Nobody seems to know.
In other words, don't be surprised when you pick up your Washington Post in 2015 or whenever (assuming there's still a Washington Post paper edition by then) and read, "Metro to Dulles Project Nixed Once Again!" Or not. Nobody seems to know.