News: Loudoun Opts In for Dulles Rail Extension

(July 8, 2012) - Dulles Rail supporters in Loudoun were celebrating last week after the Loudoun Board of Supervisors voted 5-4 to opt-in for the Dulles Rail extension into Loudoun County.


Reported chairman Scott K. York: "After numerous worksessions, four Public Outreach sessions and a Public Input meeting dedicated to rail input, the Board voted 5-4 ... Supervisors Buona, Letourneau, Williams, Reid and I voted in favor. We also received word today that Fitch, one of the bond rating agencies, has reaffirmed the county’s AAA status. Here is the link to the Business Wire’s article related to Fitch’s statement regarding their reaffirmation of the AAA status. 

http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/07/03/idUSWNA035220120703?feedType=RSS&feedName=bondsNews.

York went on to highlight one particular paragraph from the article which says, “Phase II of the project would expand the metrorail to Dulles International Airport with three stops in eastern Loudoun. Funding for phase II includes $315 million in county contributions that have been incorporated in the county's capital improvement plan (CIP). Fitch believes that the phase II expansion will positively impact the county's dynamic underlying economy.”

Again, York: "I could not agree more! I know some were concerned about Loudoun opting-in to this project, but I believe voting for rail to Loudoun was the right thing to do for the reasons I outlined in my previous newsletter. I want to thank the many people who e-mailed, left hotline comments, wrote letters, and/or participated in the public discussion; you made a difference."