Funding, Crime are Concerns over Metro Extension

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.