The governors of Maryland and Virginia and the mayor of Washington have sent a letter urging federal officials to approve the extension of Metrorail to Dulles International Airport.

The letter to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and Federal Transit Administrator James Simpson says linking Dulles to Washington would "provide a transit gateway to our nation's capital on par with other world capitals." It also states that the 23-mile rail line is key to the region's transportation needs and economic prosperity.

The letter from governors Martin O'Malley and Tim Kaine and Mayor Adrian Fenty comes as the Federal Transit Administration nears a decision on whether to approve $900 million in federal funds for the estimated $5 billion extension.