All I have to say is, thank goodness for TysonsTunnel.org, a group of people who actually know what they're talking about regarding the Metro to Dulles project, and who actually represent the vast majority of citizens in Northern Virginia who want this project but also WANT IT TO BE DONE RIGHT! I've bolded the parts of this statement I think are most important:
TYSONSTUNNEL APPLAUDS DULLES RAIL FUNDING APPROVAL
Asserts Fundamental Elevated Platform-Tunnel Question Is UnansweredTysons Corner, Va. (Dec. 4, 2008)-Leaders of TysonsTunnel, Inc. applauded the Federal Transit Administration's approval yesterday of initial funding for Dulles rail but cautioned that the fundamental question regarding the construction method through Tysons Corner still needs to be resolved.
"We are pleased that the Federal Transit Administration has signed off on the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project," says Scott A. Monett, the organization's president. "TysonsTunnel and its thousands of grassroots supporters have always supported rail to Dulles International Airport and are happy to see this critical hurdle cleared. This is a tremendous day for Northern Virginia and those citizens who live, work and commute through the Dulles Corridor."
Monett further noted that TysonsTunnel supporters implore federal and state leaders to give serious consideration of a tunnel under the busy business and shopping district that encompasses Tysons Corner. "Our supporters feel strongly that a tunnel will best fit the vision of making Tysons Corner a walk-able downtown and a magnet for new businesses and residents. Anything less would be an unacceptable eyesore and would forever damage the image and potential of Tysons Corner and Northern Virginia for generations to come."
This crucial step can be accomplished during the next phase in the Dulles rail review process, says Monett. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and the Congressional Budget Office will now undertake separate extensive reviews of the project. Afterward Congress must give its final approval of Dulles rail funding.
"It is incumbent on those in positions of authority to take a critical look at the rail project's plans to ensure that the construction design for Tysons Corner meets the vision of future development there, is the best and most affordable option, and adheres to the wishes of the citizens of the area," stressed Monett. "Right now it is obvious to our supporters and many others in Northern Virginia that an elevated structure is a substandard option for Tysons Corner and not what the people who live and work there and in the surrounding communities want.
"We call on Secretary Peters, the Congressional Budget Office and members of Congress, many of whom have serious reservations about the current course of Dulles rail, to take full advantage of these reviews to fix the project and allow for a parallel process to include a tunnel for Tysons Corner," urged Monett.
TysonsTunnel.org represents an unprecedented coalition of community associations, small businesses, environmental groups, landowners, civic groups, homeowner associations, major corporations and private citizens calling for construction of a tunnel under Tysons Corner.