The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which is overseeing construction, said in a letter to the contractor that the cost estimates are too high. If the price is not slashed by the April 5 deadline, the letter raises the possibility that the Metro extension -- the region's largest planned rail project -- could die.
That sounds bad, but on the other hand, these negotations can't just drag on forever. As Gerry Connolly says, "You've got to put a period on this thing -- either wrap it up or look at other options." And one of those options is to scrap the idiotic aerial option for Metro through Tysons, and put the tunnel option firmly back into the planning. Then, resubmit the plan and get back in line for Federal money. Look, this is a 100+ year project that will affect our region long after all of us are gone. Even if it takes a few more years, let's do it right, or not do it at all. And yes, "do it right" means a tunnel through Tysons.
The thing I am not getting though, is how and why Kaine gets final say over the thing even though the MWAA is going to oversee the construction of the thing....