By JANELLE L. PLUMMER
Observer Staff
April 16, 2008

Video by Janelle Plummer.

For years, Northern Virginia residents have anticipated a metro system that would connect them to the Washington, D.C. region.

But in January, they learned that the project is struggling since the Federal Transit Authority would not approve $900 million for the Dulles Metrorail Project.

The first phase of construction was to begin this year, to be completed in 2013, and now Virginia officials are trying to save the $5 billion project.

The project included a proposed 23-mile Metroline, extending service from the existing Orange Line at the East Falls Church station in Fairfax County, Va., to Route 772 in Loudoun County, according to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

The project was designed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority with the goal of linking D.C. by rail to various centers such as: Tysons Corner, Reston, Herndon, and Washington Dulles International Airport.

The metro system would also benefit students at the George Washington University Ashburn Campus who commute from D.C.

The American Observer’s Janelle Plummer spoke with some residents in Loudoun County who want Gov. Timothy Kaine to push the project forward.

Map courtesy of www.dullesmetro.com.