🚀 go-pugleaf

In the debate over whether the Tyson portion of the proposed extension of 
the Metro line in northern Virginia should be above ground (cheaper) or 
below (much more expensive), the affected NOVA jurisdictions are opposing 
the recommendation for the below-ground option because they would bear the 
additional cost.

A below-ground station would be better in terms of minimizing the local 
impact, so you could argue that the affected NOVA jurisdictions should pay 
all the (higher) cost.  However, Metro was conceived and built as part of 
the regional infrastructure and costs generally have been shared by VA, DC, 
and MD.

As proposed, the affected NOVA jurisdictions would pay 100% of the 
incremental cost.  But riders from DC and MD will be a significant portion 
of the ridership of the extended line.  IMO if the two other jurisdictions 
were to pay their fair share of the added cost, this could break the 
political logjam that has developed over this issue as a result of the 
refusal of the Virginia jurisdictions to accept the below-ground option.  We 
don't need any more delays in implementing this project, for whatever 
reason.

(Unfortunately, my Usenet provider doesn't include any of the Maryland 
forums, so feel free to add md.general and any other relevant MD forums in 
your reply.)