By Stephanie Tipple
For PotomacLocal.com
Woodbridge, Va. — The possibility of a Metro station and solutions for traffic congestion in Prince William County was the focus of a Metrorail to Prince William County meeting Monday night, hosted by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11, Fairfax, Prince William).
The issue was brought up as a major campaign topic at a recent House of Delegates candidates debate. This led do an information session with a panel of experts to speak to constituents about the merits and feasibility of Metro into a county where many of the residents commute to Washington and closer-in suburbs for work.
Richard Taube, executive director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, spoke to the crowd about the merits of Metro in the community, saving residents time and fuel cost. Taube went on to say that 100 million tons a year of pollutants is saved by consumers using the Metro, bringing an environmental aspect to light.
John McClain, deputy director of George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, broke down the economic cost and monetary factors that the project will encompass, citing that 50 percent of funds for construction would come from the federal government, 25 percent would come from state funding, and 25 percent would come from localities and businesses willing to pay a tax to benefit from Metro expansion.
David Robertson, executive director of the Metropolitan Council of Governments, rounded out the panel by speaking about a community vision that would blend the importance of industry and land use policies with transportation.
A Q&A panel followed, where one resident asked if crime rates would rise due to Metro’s presence in the area. But members of the panel stated that there is no empirical evidence to back up any increases in crime.
With funding a major concern, Connolly explained that explained that while Metro does receive partial project funding other forms of transportation modifications may not be funded by the federal government at all.
Another question addressed growth since having the Metro in the area will guarantee a population increase. Connolly, backed by the panel, said this will not worsen traffic congestion as new residents would be in central Metro locations and could easily utilize public transit.
Local politicians Senator Toddy Puller, Delegate Luke Torian, Supervisor Frank J. Principi and Occoquan Mayor Porter Earnest Porta Jr., also gave their support to look into bringing Metro into the area, with other transportation solutions.
While no one definitively spoke out against the Metro, concerns were raised by Cleveland Anderson, the Republican candidate for the House of Delegates seat Torian now holds, about how Prince William County could afford this and if it would cause the county to go bankrupt.
Connolly and the panel explained that the Metro overall is an investment and that, while the cost needs to be closely examined as a factor for bring Metro to the county, it will increase the tax base and revenue for the long term.
Recent Stories
Since August 2024, Potomac Local News has seen significant growth in our email newsletter readership, with our audience expanding from 14,747 subscribers in August to 18,252 subscribers in February 2025.
(AP) — Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow Sunday and predicted six more weeks of wintry weather, his top-hatted handlers announced to a raucus, record-sized crowd at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania.
Phil was welcomed with chants of “Phil, Phil, Phil,” and pulled from a hatch on his tree stump shortly after sunrise before a member of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club read from a scroll in which he boasted: “Only I know — you can’t trust A.I.”
At approximately 2:45 P.M. on Saturday, February 1st, units with Stafford County Fire and Rescue (SCFR) responded to a reported structure fire in the 100 block of Aquia Creek Road, near Aquia Creek. Callers reported a neighboring residence on fire, and first arriving units marked the scene less than 10 minutes later and confirmed fire and smoke coming from the rear and roof of a single-family residence.
Due to a lack of hydrants in the area, crews had to utilize rural water operations to shuttle water to the scene. Crews worked quickly to extinguish the fire and bring it under control in approximately an hour, despite the roof collapsing.
The residence was not occupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported. The fire is under routine investigation by the Stafford County Fire Marshal’s Office. SCFR units were assisted on scene by Quantico Fire and Emergency Services.
(AP) — Preliminary data from the deadliest U.S. aviation accident in nearly 25 years showed conflicting readings about the altitudes of an airliner and Army helicopter when they collided near Reagan National Airport in Washington, killing everyone aboard both aircraft, investigators said Saturday.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
