Joe Rogalsky, The Examiner
2007-06-29 07:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

The proposal to extend Metrorail through Tysons Corner cleared another hurdle Thursday, leaving the federal government as the project’s last obstacle.

With a unanimous vote, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s board of directors agreed to operate and maintain the 11-mile, five-station extension that will run from just past the East Falls Church stop to Wiehle Avenue in Reston. The board also approved an agreement between the transit system and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which is overseeing construction of the extension. Metro will serve as a technical adviser to ensure the new rail lines meet its construction standards.

That leaves only federal budgetary approval standing in the way of the project. The Federal Transit Administration is analyzing the project’s construction schedule and costs, which will weigh heavily into whether the agency allocates a crucial $900 million for the project’s first phase. The agency expects to finish the analysis in August but has not set a schedule for deciding whether to allocate funding.

The total project is expected to cost $5.14 billion.

“It is a good project for Fairfax County and it is an exceptional project for the region,” said Catherine Hudgins, a Fairfax supervisor and Metro board member.

The $2.64 billion extension through Tysons is scheduled to open in 2013. A second phase, which will bring rail service to Dulles International Airport, is planned to start operating in 2015.

jrogalsky@dcexaminer.com