For Immediate Release | View this Press Release as a PDF file

TYSONSTUNNEL EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT WITH FTA DECISION
Vows to Continue Fighting for Competitive Bidding

TYSONS CORNER, VA (April 30) — Following is a statement by TysonsTunnel President Scott A. Monett regarding today’s announcement that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will approve $900 million of federal funding for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project:

“Tysons Tunnel and its tens of thousands of supporters in Northern Virginia are extremely disappointed about today’s Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project news. Despite this development we still strongly believe it to be in the best interests of Northern Virginia taxpayers that the state competitively bid the Dulles rail project and that it study a tunnel for Tysons Corner. Taking this common-sense approach would assure the residents of this region that they are not overpaying for Metro service to Dulles International Airport.

“The FTA’s stunning and unexpected reversal leaves many unanswered questions regarding what changes have been made to the Dulles rail project to make it eligible for nearly a billion dollars of federal funding.

“For instance, what changes have been made by the state of Virginia and Dulles Transit Partners (DTP) that so significantly improved the project’s cost efficiency? How can the projected ridership numbers suddenly qualify the rail line for federal funding? What cost, construction and contract management changes have been made to ensure the Dulles rail project doesn’t become yet another expensive public construction boondoggle like Boston’s Big Dig? What assurances has DTP given the state and the FTA that costs will not balloon beyond the project’s predicted $5 billion cost?

“These and numerous other critical questions demand answers. The FTA must fully explain to the thousands of citizens of Northern Virginia why competitive bidding is not needed and what factors so dramatically influenced its unconscionable 180 degree position change.

“Of course, today’s decision may mean that unanswered questions about fair pricing and construction methodology likely never will be answered and a cloud of uncertainty will forever shroud the project. This is an unfortunate outcome for the citizens of Northern Virginia who repeatedly and clearly have stated their wishes to their elected representatives in Richmond and Washington, D.C.

“TysonsTunnel will take time over the coming days to assess today’s developments and the overall situation. We will determine our next steps to affect competitive bidding for this multi-billion dollar public transportation project.

“To the many citizens, business owners and elected leaders who have supported Tysons Tunnel over the past 18 months, I appreciate your unwavering support and conviction and I urge each of you continue to stand with TysonsTunnel as we continue our mutual fight for what is best for Northern Virginia and its people.”

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Media Note: Copies of the ACS-Dragados and Tyson’s Tunnel Alternative Cost Estimate are available for review. For copies or media inquiries contact:
Alan Greilsamer, Communications Resources, LLC
703.760.7007 office/703.201.2508 mobile
agreilsamer@communications-resources.com