FTA Report Leaves Dulles Rail Plan as 'Unrated'

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THE FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION'S annual report, which assesses proposed projects, was released on Tuesday — and it left the controversial 23-mile Dulles Metrorail extension marked as "unrated." What does that mean for the project's prospects?

As The Post's Amy Gardner reports, the FTA says the data for the report came together in November, when the agency was awaiting new information on the Metrorail extension's cost, management and timeline. In January, the FTA raised concerns about the feasibility about the project, indicating that it was unlikely to qualify for $900 million in federal funding needed to move forward.

But backers of the project on Capitol Hill, speaking anonymously, told The Post that they were "pleasantly surprised" by the report's non-rating.

Meanwhile, as The Post's Kendra Marr reports, area business leaders and local Chambers of Commerce have been active to keep the pressure on the federal government, urging it to not let the rail project die.

» "Backers Encouraged by U.S. Report" [WaPo]
» "Business Community Gets Onboard to Revive Dulles Rail Plan" [WaPo]