One of my biggest frustrations as a blogger the past couple of years has been our inability to generate sufficient pressure on Gov. Kaine et al. regarding the Tysons Tunnel issue to get them to do the right thing. The bottom line is very simple: as many of our parents taught us, "do it right or don't do it at all." In this case, "do it right" means competitive bidding and a smart-growth-friendly tunnel option for Tysons Corner. Why is this so hard? I believe we spell that "B-E-C-H-T-E-L." Sigh.
With that said, and despite the Washington Post's (hey Amy!) continued cheerleading for doing this the WRONG way, the Metro to Dulles project is not - repeat NOT - a "done deal" as currently constituted. Hence, the "dig in." Check it out if you can!
For Immediate ReleaseMEDIA ADVISORY: LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND CITIZENS SET TO 'DIG-IN' TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR TYSONS TUNNEL ON DEC. 19
TYSONS CORNER, VA, December 17 - In its continuing drive to showcase the public's widespread support for a tunnel as part of the Tysons Corner portion of the Dulles Metrorail Project, TysonsTunnel will be a holding a "Dig-In" this Friday at noon in Tysons Corner.
TysonsTunnel and its supporters are holding this public demonstration because it is imperative to continue to express the community's overwhelming preference for an underground option following the Federal Transit Administration's (FTA) approval of $900 million for Phase One of the Metrorail extension project earlier this month.
Here are the "Dig-In" specifics:
WHO: Scott Monett and TysonsTunnel supporters, community leaders and concerned citizens.
WHAT: The TysonsTunnel Dig-In will bring community leaders and concerned citizens to firmly illustrate theirs and the community's unwavering support for a tunnel through Tysons Corner as part of Metrorail's expansion to Dulles International Airport. Attendees are encouraged to bring a shovel or other creative means for "digging in". The rain-or-shine event is free and open to the public.
WHEN: Friday, December 19 at noon
WHERE: This public assembly will take place at 8399 Leesburg Pike (Rte. 7), the former location of The Business Bank, adjacent to Pike Seven Plaza and across from the Tysons Westpark Hotel.
WHY: The TysonsTunnel Dig-In will demonstrate to the incoming Obama Administration and federal, state and local government officials that the residents who live in and business professionals who work in Tysons stand by the motto "It's Not Over 'til It's Under!".
TysonsTunnel.org represents an unprecedented coalition of community associations, small businesses, environmental groups, landowners, civic groups, homeowner associations, major corporations and private citizens calling for construction of a tunnel under Tysons Corner.