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Photo from the website DC Transit Guide
The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted 7 to 1, Tuesday, in favor of Supervisor Frank Principi’s (D-Woodbridge) Resolution Number 15, endorsing Board support of “House Resolution 779...which authorizes the long-term feasibility study of extending Metrorail service in Northern Virginia, including extending Metrorail in Prince William County.”
Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th District) introduced H.R. 779, also known as the “Northern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act,” in February of 2015. If authorized, the study would be funded by the Washington Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
“We must start now to look at solutions to take cars off the roads and attract high-paying jobs. Whether or not we determine that Metrorail is the best solution, we must look at it,” Connolly said.
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce also approves of moving in the direction of Metrorail extension.
“Making strategic investments in transportation, including improving and expanding mass transit, is necessary to sustain Northern Virginia’s robust economic growth,” said Prince William Chamber of Commerce Director of Government Relations, Brendon Shaw.“The Prince William Board of County Supervisors’ endorsement of Congressman Connolly’s Northern Virginia Metrorail Extension Act sends the clear signal that Prince William County wants to be prepared to accommodate the workforce and economy of the future through comprehensive transportation solutions.”
Prior to the vote, several of the supervisors, including Principi, acknowledged that Metro is at least a decade away from addressing current capacity issues or considering the addition of new train lines. However, Principi felt it was necessary to lay the groundwork for Metro to come into the county in the future.
“This is about taking steps now to prepare for our future transportation needs. We must plan ahead,” Principi said, adding that it took 29 years from feasibility study to opening day for the Silver Line to become a reality. “Traffic is the number one concern that I hear from constituents. Metro coming to Prince William is favored by many Woodbridge residents.”
Principi acknowledged that along with citizen encouragement he received, he also fielded concerns about the cost and value of bringing Metro into the community. He answered that the study would answer many of the questions citizens have about bringing Metro into their community.
“If conducted, this study will allow us to answer these questions in a meaningful way. With the Silver Line, there was a combination of private and public funding, with a number of businesses voluntarily investing in the system. They saw the potential and are reaping the dividends,” says Principi. “In the same way, Metro would facilitate travel to employment centers and attract more high-paying jobs to our county. We now see it happening in Tysons.Where Metro goes, economic growth follows.”
The vision of a NewWoodbridge was introduced by Supervisor Frank J. Principi in 2008 and calls for the transformation of the Route 1 corridor through better development, transportation, and neighborhood policy and budget choices that will result in smart growth development, high-paying jobs in Eastern Prince William, expanded roads and transit solutions, and support for our neighborhoods, schools, and parks. The vision will improve the quality of life of all residents, protect our natural resources along the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers, and create a sustainable economic engine for Prince William County. To learn more, visit www.NewWoodbridge.org or call Woodbridge Magisterial District Supervisor Frank J. Principi at 703.792.4646.
