FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    
November 28, 2000
CONTACT: Patty Nicoson
703/716-5750

Community, business, and government leaders come together to bring rail service to the congested Dulles Corridor

(RESTON, VA) – The Dulles Corridor Rail Association (DCRA) is holding its second Annual Meeting on Tuesday, November 28, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Sheraton Premiere, Tysons Corner.

DCRA, a membership organization of citizens, business leaders, and elected officials, was formed in the Fall of 1998 to champion rail service in the Dulles Corridor by 2010. Delegate Kenneth R. Plum chairs the group and Delegate Vincent F. Callahan, Jr. is its Vice-Chairman.

"The events of the past year heighten the need for rail in the corridor as soon as possible. The continued high level of development in the corridor coupled with Washington Dulles International Airport’s growth in passenger traffic, which has made it the fastest growing airport in the world, and the groundbreaking for the Dulles Center of the National Air and Space Museum underscore the urgency of bringing high quality rail transit to the corridor" said DCRA Chairman Plum.

In June, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, acting as an agent of the state, began work on preliminary engineering and an environmental impact statement. The General Assembly approved $75 million in funding for the Dulles Rapid Transit Project during its 2000 session. With Congressman Frank Wolf’s support, Congress approved a $50 million appropriation for FY 01 bringing the total of federal funds earmarked for the project to $92 million.

Delegate Callahan noted that "2000 has been a year of monumental accomplishment and we’re looking forward to even better things in 2001. The project is fast heading for reality."

The second Annual Meeting provides the opportunity for members and potential members to learn more about the Dulles Corridor fixed guideway transit project and DCRA, the organization created to champion it.

The Annual Meeting will include a report on the considerable progress that has been made on the rapid transit project during the past year. J. Kenneth Klinge, Chairman of the Dulles Corridor Task Force, will provide a project update. DCRA will present a leadership award to James A. Wilding, President and CEO of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. Chairman Plum will review DCRA’s activities and report on a recently completed survey of residents and employees in the corridor.