Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin revised his budget to make Northern Virginia responsible for closing Metro's budget gap.
What was supposed to be a promise of additional funding from Richmond to Metro was effectively rescinded.
“I'm not shocked, but I'm disappointed,” said Matt De Ferranti, chairman of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and an Arlington County commissioner.
Metro has talked in the past about cuts such as station closures and longer wait times.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission says there is money for Metro for now, but transferring the money would mean reserves for other future transportation projects would be depleted within about a year. In that case, taxpayers may be required to pay further.
“We may have to go back to residents and say we need more investment. Every local authority is increasing investment in the metro, and this year every locality is asking residents to invest more.”・Mr. Ferranti said. “So it doesn't seem like wise economic policy that this would create additional demand within about 12 to 18 months.”
In the meantime, the commission says projects such as the Crystal City Station and a second entrance to the Ballston Metro Station will likely have to be postponed. Bicycle and road projects may also be delayed.
Metro GM Randy Clark was optimistic about raising more money just a few weeks ago, but knew nothing was set in stone.
“The budget still needs to be approved, and until it's filled in, it doesn't exist,” he said.
Things could change again, as Richmond lawmakers still need to take a final vote on the governor's budget proposal.
People with direct knowledge of the budget said it likely would have included additional funding for Metro from Richmond if the arena deal that would move the Washington Capitals and Wizards to Alexandria was also approved.