Dick Black supports Governor Gilmore's new transportation initiative. Announced on August 31, 1999, the plan will provide $2.5 billion in new money to fund vital transportation construction projects over the next six years. "The single biggest project that will effect our area is this will bring metro rail to the Dulles Airport by the year 2010." Black said at the press conference.
As a member of the influential Transportation Committee, Delegate Black has been extremely successful in securing funding for vital traffic projects in our area. These projects include:
$13 million to widen Route 7 to Tyson's Corner
$10.1 million for safety improvements on Rt. 15
New stop lights at dangerous intersections in Sterling, Leesburg, and Herndon.
In addition to funds secured by Delegate Black, the Governor's transportation plan will provide an additional $2.5 billion without raising taxes. The money will come from a variety of sources including the budget surplus and 40% of the state's tobacco settlement money. The money is front-loaded so the state can begin work quickly on high-priority projects like starting the hi-tech BRT (bus rapid transit) service to Dulles, and extending metro rail to the Dulles Airport and into a station at the Dulles Greenery. Thousands of commuters will benefit from the convenience of the metro or in the reduction of cars on the road.
