Today, our regional Senate delegation introduced legislation that would reauthorize critically needed funding for Metro. The legislation also includes long-anticipated provisions that would enhance Metro accountability. Specifically, the legislation would strengthen WMATA’s Office of the Inspector General and improve decision-making for capital projects. Consistent with his recent op-ed in the Washington Post, Mayor Williams offered the following statement of support:
“The Federal City Council applauds Sens. Cardin, Warner, Kaine, and Van Hollen for their continued commitment to WMATA and for ensuring that critically needed federal funding for the system is reauthorized this year. This funding, along with the new dedicated funding that was committed by the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia in 2018 helps to ensure a safe, reliable, and sustainable future for Metro. However, it has been the longstanding position of the Federal City Council that in addition to funding, Metro is also in need of a better framework to guide decision-making and increase accountability at WMATA—a critical part of the solution that has been missing, until now. With comprehensive enhancements to WMATA’s Office of the Inspector General and capital planning requirements, this legislation will help safeguard the investment being made in this vital piece of our region’s transportation network and will inspire confidence in Metro going forward.”
FC2 has been the leading voice in the call for Metro accountability. We celebrate the introduction of this legislation as a success in the organization’s longstanding efforts on Metro reform. We look forward to working with our Congressional leaders to see this bill through to adoption.
