Governor Kaine Announces MWAA, Local Governments Advisory Committee

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the formation of the Dulles Corridor Advisory Committee (DCAC), a joint initiative of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) and Fairfax and Loudoun counties to facilitate the recently announced Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project. The DCAC will provide the Authority with advice on issues related to the management, improvement and expansion of the Dulles Corridor, as well as changes to tolls on the Dulles Toll Road to fund the roadway improvements and Metrorail extension in the Corridor. The Committee will have no oversight of other agencies or infrastructure owned and/or operated by the Authority.

“This committee will provide an important mechanism for local representatives to review and comment on changes to tolling rates on the Dulles Toll Road and improvements in the Corridor, as discussed in the original memorandum of understanding,” Governor Kaine said. “We look forward to a long and productive relationship between the DCAC and the Airports Authority – one that will benefit commuters and travelers using the Corridor.”

The DCAC will be composed of two representatives from the four official bodies including the Authority, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Authority’s Board Chairman and President and CEO will serve on the Committee. Fairfax County will be represented by the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and County Executive.  Loudoun County will also be represented by their Chairman of the Board of Supervisors and County Administrator. The Commonwealth will be represented by the Northern Virginia member of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and the Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

“The Committee ensures that an equal number of voices from the local and state government will be present at the table,” said Gerry Connolly, Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. “We are confident that the interests of Northern Virginia commuters will be fairly represented through this Committee.”

Scott York, Chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors added, “We would like to thank Governor Kaine for creating the Dulles Corridor Advisory Committee and ensuring that local government will have a voice in the project. We look forward to working with all parties to complete this vital transit rail link to Loudoun County.”

A Chairman will be selected on a rotating annual basis by the members of the Committee. The DCAC will meet twice-annually unless other eventualities necessitate more frequent meetings. Any reports or guidance concerning the Dulles Toll Road from the DCAC may be considered by the Authority Board of Directors.

“Input from local governments will be a key component to the success of this project,” said James E. Bennett, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. “The DCAC will provide valuable guidance and feedback as we move forward with the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.”

Announced in late March (see the news release), the MWAA agreement provides that all revenues generated by the Dulles Toll Road be used for transportation improvements within the corridor, including the Metrorail extension and roadway improvements.  The agreement also guarantees that consideration of private proposals for the toll road’s operation and congestion reduction strategies will remain with the Airports Authority. 

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