Va. to get $77.3 million for Metrorail upgrade

It's a drop in the bucket on a $3 billion project, but $77.3 million is headed to Virginia from the federal government for improved rail service to Washington-Dulles International Airport.

U.S. Sens. Jim Webb and Mark R. Warner, both Democrats, yesterday announced the funding for Metrorail, under President Barack Obama's effort to revive the economy with massive government spending.

Webb said the funding "brings Northern Virginia one step closer to a crucial Metrorail extension that will relieve congestion, improve quality of life and foster sustained economic growth in the region."

Warner said: "This represents a smart use of stimulus funds to speed up a project that represents the very definition of shovel ready."

The latest burst of cash is a sliver of the $4.8 billion that Virginia expects to receive for a range of programs, including public education and Medicaid, which provides health care for the aged and poor.

The 11.7-mile rail project -- the third-largest of its kind in the nation -- will provide alternative transportation for residents and workers in the Dulles corridor, home to 2,300 companies with combined payrolls of 250,000 employees.

In March, U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood signed an agreement under which the federal government will contribute $900 million toward expanded Dulles rail service.

"We're providing a boost that will help this project keep moving forward, while jump-starting the economy and putting people back to work," LaHood said.

Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or .