A planned rail transit spur in northern Virginia has moved another step forward, with U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters' approval of a $900-million, multi-year federal funding commitment towards the project's $2.6-billion first phase. With Peters' Jan. 7 action, the proposed "full funding grant agreement" goes to Congress for a 60-day review.
The $900 million would help finance an 11.6-mile first stage of a planned 23-mile extension of of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority's Orange Line. Phase One would branch off from Metro's existing Orange Line and run to Wiehle Avenue. It would have five stations, including four in the Tysons Corner commercial area near the Capital Beltway.