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Graham Seeks $1.5B From Feds for Metro

Councilman proposes federal representation on Metro Board

Monday, Jan 12, 2009 | Updated 4:15 PM EDT

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Passengers board a Metro train at Gallery Place-Chinatown.

WASHINGTON -- D.C. Councilman Jim Graham is trying to get $1.5 billion in federal funds over 10 years for Metro infrastructure needs.

The funding is desperately needed to maintain buses, railcars and train station, Graham said.

“Forty-two percent of our peak-period rail riders are federal employees,” he said. “It is reasonable to expect the federal government to help keep this system in good repair.”

Graham is proposing changing Metro's regional compact to conform with federal legislation, adding two members to the board. Currently, the board has two voting representatives from D.C., Maryland and Virginia each. The bill also seeks federal funds every year in exchange for participation on the board.

All three jurisdictions Metro serves must pass identical laws to make the changes. The federal government then must approve the changes.

D.C. is the only jurisdiction to propose a bill so far.

Graham is expected to become chairman of the Metro Board of Directors this month.