All Rail Parties Focused on Loudoun's Vote
At Dulles Corridor Rail Association meeting, the most important update was the one coming from Loudoun Board of Supervisors on July 3.
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The Dulles Corridor Rail Association's semi-annual meeting is usually one for partners to talk about construction progress, staying on budget and the day 18 months from now when Metrorail will stop in Tysons Corner and in Reston.
The decision from Loudoun County whether to continue as a partner could change the future of Phase 2 of the Silver Line, which will run from Reston's Wiehle Avenue to Dulles International Airport and into Loudoun County.
"It is absolutely crunch time," Ashburn Supervisor Ralph Buona (R) said. "We have got to finalize financing by Friday night. There will be more public input on Monday, and we will vote first thing Tuesday.
"I am cautiously optimistic," he said. "I would say we are 4-3 so far with two in play. We are doing everything we can to bring them over the finish line."
Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) said at the meeting he is "completely supportive" of rail to Dulles despite the project being marred by a Project Labor Agreement (which has since been dropped), protests over predicted high tolls on the Dulles Toll Road, and Richmond's reluctance to find more available funds.
"I am here to say you cannot always believe everything you read," McDonnell said. "This is something we have to do. This is one of the most — if not the most — important infrastructure projects in the country. It is also one of the most expensive. Obviously, everyone who has a vote is making sure they are a good steward of the taxpayer money. ... We'll find a way to make sure this gets done in a prudent and economical way that honors the taxpayers."
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton said he is literally taking it one day at a time.
"We've got to look at this in stages," he said. "It has been a multiyear effort to get us to this point. We've got to get past the Loudoun County vote. Before the project can move forward, there has to be confidence in the government, we have to do everything we can to lower the tolls to the lowest amount possible. It is going to be difficult to get additional money out of Richmond until we do that."
Pat Nowakowski, executive director of the Dulles Metrorail Project, gave the crowd an update on Phase 1 construction. He said Phase 1 is on track to be on time and slightly over budget but within the $2.9 billion mark.
He said track and structures are in place and it is down to station electrical work. The last two aerial spans at Tysons Corner should be put in place in the next few weeks, he said.
Nowakowski is also waiting for Loudoun's vote on Phase 2.
"We are completing preliminary engineering," he said. "We are ready to go."
MIke
6:54 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I'll be sure to remember Buona's 'efforts' the next time I'm casting my ballot. This is not what his conservative constituents desire.
Let the Metro end at Dulles airport!
I hope we can celebrate 2 things on July 4th... Independence from the MWAA (and the taxes that come with it) and our countries independence from smother tyrant that taxed us with no representation.
Loudoun Supervisors, vote NO to metro!
Melvin Summers
9:55 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Mike, I just want to point out that this is an extremely conservative town, even still 80 percent of the people want the Metro, and that includes you're loyal Republicans in the area. They are going to listen to their constituents Mike, all 80 percent of them. You can't get your seat back when 80 percent don't approve of what you have done.
Yes to Metro!!!!!!!!!
Tax Pig
10:33 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Way to deliver with the lobbying push governor... right on cue. I do hope the Gov. made it clear what the financial ties are between himself and various businesses and individuals who may have direct financial ties to the Big Dulles Rail Spendfest.
Generous supporters of Gov Bob appear to also be present in online financial records pertaining to rail station developers.
http://www.leesburgtoday.com/opinion/letters/article_1a05fb9a-a279-11e1-af48-0019bb2963f4.html
Links from VPAP
http://www.vpap.org/committees/profile/money_in_donors/2936http://www.vpap.org/donors/profile/money_out_details/134392?committee_id=2936 http://www.vpap.org/candidates/profile/money_in_details/5666?donor_id=134392&end_year=2012&filing_period=all&filter_schedule=all&industry=all&limit=50&locality=all&lookup_type=year&max_years=15&order=amount&start_year=2006&submenus=cands_state&zip_code=all
The fact is that Loudoun will reap massive financial benefits, $600 million through 2040 if they opt out
go to: http://loudounoptout.blogspot.com/2012/06/600-million-bonus-if-loudoun-opts-out.html
Bob Bruhns
11:13 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Governor McDonnell hopes to be Vice President, and evidently something about supporting this rail ripoff might help him in that quest. The fact that he didn't and doesn't care that this thing costs two times what it should cost, tells me all I need to know. With a billion and a half dollars of overcharge in this unnecessary Phase II project, it's pretty obvious what's going on.
Only a certain few individual politicians have any integrity, and they are the ones who will stand against this regional robbery. The rest are selling out for some of that billion and a half of overcharge. I only hope (1) that the credit rating agencies have been watching, and are about to speak about how bad this deal is, and (2) that the FBI has been conducting an undercover investigation on this deal, and is about to make arrests.
Bob Bruhns
11:48 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Two of Tax Pig's links (above) got stuck together and don't work. Here they are again.
Links from VPAP
http://www.vpap.org/committees/profile/money_in_donors/2936
http://www.vpap.org/donors/profile/money_out_details/134392?committee_id=2936
http://www.vpap.org/candidates/profile/money_in_details/5666?donor_id=134392&end_year=2012&filing_period=all&filter_schedule=all&industry=all&limit=50&locality=all&lookup_type=year&max_years=15&order=amount&start_year=2006&submenus=cands_state&zip_code=all
Rachel K
8:23 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
From what I understand, if they say no, then there will be NO rail to Dulles. Phase 1 ends at Wiehle. Am I incorrect?
Daniel Davies
9:14 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
If Loudoun Opts Out, Rail will be built to Dulles Airport. The final one or two stations will be dropped, but that only effects the two miles of rail planned past the airport. Loudoun County's latest estimates show the project costing them $1.6 billion for those two miles past the airport, so you can see why they are considering Opting Out.
Dave
12:07 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Rachel - not exactly. It's more likely that Phase 2 will be built eventually to Dulles anyways by MWAA and the remaining parties. However, there will be no commuter parking at Dulles, and if commuter parking is built at 28, it likely won't be nearly enough - and you'll need a Springfield-style 'mixing bowl' project to handle the traffic. The raises on the toll road are going to happen one way or another (the moment the decision was made to fund Phase I primarily through tolls and the ground was broken on that project). Might as well get benefit out of it... actually, it is likely that Loudoun commuters will have to pay even more for the toll road WITHOUT phase 2 going all the way out to make up the difference.
Burt Rosenberg
8:27 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Gov. McDonnell says he wants to "honor" the taxpayers. But, Governor, please do not dishonor the Toll Road users by saddling us with unconscionable toll increases to pay the Lion's Share of Silver Line costs. You are governor of Va. residents who drive also, sir. And we vote.
Satchmo
10:26 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
"Liberals like Gov McDonnell are so frustrating when it comes to their support of Loudoun Rail." - taxed pig
Look at it this way, if "real" conservatives like those referenced by Mike are supporting the death of rail, then there is probably only about 20% that fit Mike's "real" category. Truth is rail has strong bi-partisan support. When McDonnell and Herring are on the same page we know a project like this can't fail. Vote yes on Metro.
Candie
10:31 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
"YES", For Metro Rail All The Way" to Loudoun County.
Jerry Kruger
11:09 am on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I understand that there is the possibility of people being tied to the rails by theiving thugs. This presents a precarious problem, as people can die. Yes, I do think that metrosexual will utilize this service, an unthinkable circumstance, but I also believe it also presents a danger to the public by giving hoolems the ability to utilize the rail for killing their misfortunate friends. But even more revolting, the metro would give theives a getaway route via pump car into the suburbs, where they would subsequently stalk strangers.
Dave
12:01 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The "$1.5 billion" figure is FUD (fear, uncertainty, and doubt) being pushed by the anti-tax faction. The figure that Loudoun would actually be responsible for is closer to $250 million and a chunk of operational costs that are yet to be determined/negotiated. And the Toll Road fees will still be raised to the same level if not more by an 'opt out', with *zero* benefit to Loudoun tax base or commuters. There is more "spin" being put on these figures by Tax Pix and company than on a Dead or Alive record. Costs will be far more than offset by a shift to a commercial tax base and increased property values (and eventually lower property taxes as a result). YES TO METRO!
Bob Bruhns
1:40 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
This region has good reason to fear a billion and a half dollars of overcharge for this rail extension. It is entirely unnecessary, and it will cause no end of trouble. Just say NO!!!
Skip Endale
5:17 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
One thing is for certain, I would not open a link to any external web site without knowing what me and my friend the computadore would get into.
Rob Jackson
5:24 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
A key issue that needs an answer is how many of the Orange Line's 21 train slots (maximum and in each direction) will be transferred to the Silver Line? How many passengers can the Silver Line carry? It's mind boggling to me that people can support or oppose the Silver Line's extension without knowing the facts.
Tammi Petrine
10:37 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
BINGO!!! Thanks, Mr. Jackson. We ALL need more information about the Metro's capacity.
For the amount of benefit for a few, the price tag of this project is way too expensive. The original Metro design of only one track each way throughout the whole system has created a nightmare of inefficiencies.
I would love to see Metro to Dulles but not at this price (Bob Bruhns has nailed it: the second phase of the Silver Line should be much cheaper than the curving, elevated first phase through Tysons but no one "OFFICIAL" has ever answered his questions with any salient answers as to why a primarily straight, on-grade leg of the same length cost the same price!!! What's up with that???)
Furthermore, the outrageous tolls will seriously harm the corridor communities of Reston and Herndon. Doesn't anyone get this??? And the tolls are scheduled to double on Jan. 1st of 2013 to $4.50 ONE WAY to Tysons.
Tax Pig
6:16 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Ken Reid explains how Dulles Rail is bad for Loudoun and Leesburg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvbt8mKDozA&feature=autoshare
The Baconator
9:32 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
No amount af fake facts or fear tactics is goint to sway 80 percent of the peoples opinion tax pig. The politicians are going to hold out and cave at the last minute, because they know what the people want. The people want Metro, and they are sick of waiting and we are sick of excuses.
Victoria Glenn
9:59 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The rail is so important to Loudoun..it is the "most important infrastructure in the country" Don't let this opportunity pass us by...BOS vote YES to metro!
Chris Lopresti
11:44 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Loudoun needs this. We can't let fear and those who propogate it stand in our way. Bring us the Metro!
John
8:42 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Pig and Bob
Unfortunately you manipulate and lie. So even if your points have merit people discount them bc of the way u handle yourselves.
Pig - still waiting on response to your reason for a classless act om Supervisor Volpr at her church.
Also please state the thought process on flyering the park/ride lot with FALSE facts.
Bob has said your Group is not sure who did that - but people have evidence u did.
So instead comment to this board on this and enlighten us on your warped thoughts.
T-Bird
9:26 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
John, I have a simple answer. They are both developmentally challenged people starved for the attention their alchoholic daddys didn't give them. They have no facts, and they don't really care if the rail is built or not. And every flyer and every hit on their blog satisfies their childlike urge for attention. That is all it is. In fact, that's all most of these "no" people are. They just want to feel like they're doing something, even if it is counterproductive.
Bob Bruhns
12:48 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Where did I lie, John? Let's see the facts, Mr. Pen-Name Poster. Make up something good.
Also I don't know who placed those flyers, and I don't know who knows anything about that. But I'll say this: with a billion and a half dollars of overcharge in this job, anything is possible.
Karen Goff
9:46 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
T bird - several of your posts have been removed for violating our terms of service. Let's keep it civil.
Mark Carolla
9:51 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Thank you Karen!
T-Bird
10:14 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Oh, I see. So whining and compulsive lying is ok. Posting multiple links to external sites is ok. Spamming this comment section with both is ok. But calling someone what they are is not? I see.
Mark Carolla
10:18 am on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Simple Fact: The Dulles Toll Road is way past its planned capacity. There is no room for future growth no matter what the tolls....takes 1 hr fromHerndon to the Beltway at times. Northern Virginia is a metropolitan area & needs a metropolitan area's transportation infrastructure which we don't have. Every other major metropolitan area on the Eastern Seaboard - Boston, Philadelphia, New York, Baltimore, Charlotte, Atlanta, Miami has a rail system - most expanding. If Dulles Rail doesn't go beyond the airport, trafficic from Loudon to the Beltway will come to a grinding halt. Whether one likes it or not, Loudon is no longer a rural community. We are in this mess because years ago nobody had the foresight (actually didn't have a crystal ball) to plan rail out here - we HAD a perfect right of way - the W&OD - so let's not blow it this time. Frequent efficient rail service out to the Dulles Region & beyond will open up so many more opportunities, create jobs, help the environment, & help us save on gasoline and tolls. Will be nice to be able to go into DC without worrying about traffic and parking or getting back at night on a connecting bus route. As for Governor McDonnell, he's showing that when it comes to transportation & infrastructure he's a thinking conservative that recognizes that public investment in infrastructure is an economic engine.
John
1:06 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Bob
Your group created false documents. Fact. Dave larock openly organized this on his tax pig facebook page.
The supervisors have proof of this.
My real name is john.
Still havent addressed the classless attack on supervisor volpe.
John
Bob Bruhns
1:37 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
John,
1) Please try to get your facts straight. I am not a member of that group.
2) Wonderful, so you are using your first name as your pen name. Or so you say, anyway.
3) I made no classless attack on Supervisor Volpe, I am not a member of any group that made any such attack, and I would have to dig back to even find this purported attack. So you'll have to order somebody else around about that. Sorry, but if somebody else said or did something wrong, then they have to answer for it, not me.
4) I do think that falsely calling people liars and falsely associating other people with groups to which they do not belong, is despicable. Perhaps you'll identify yourself, so that people might know exactly who did that. Or perhaps not.
John
2:22 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Bob
I stand corrected. I was under the impression you were associated with the Tax Pig by previous comments.
He is the person who falsified the documents at the Park/Ride lot. He is the person who chose to attack Supervisor Volpe at her church.
Glad to hear your not associated with a classless group. Our views are not the same on this project.
I'm with the 80% of the county who believe its needed and a must to continue to thrive/develop. But i'm also someone who has to commute east on a regular baissi.
My name is John. Sorry you don't believe me.
John
Janie Oldham
2:49 am on Friday, June 29, 2012
Why is Suzanne Volpe telling some people along the pro-metro supervisors that she's voting with them and then telling her base of supporters that she's anti metro. What's up with that? I have no respect for politicians like that because she's lying to one group or the other. I hope that our supervisors do the right thing and don't saddle us with this ridiculous, over priced, mess. I don't want my grandkids having to still pay for it!