Health & Fitness
Examining the Feasibility of Air Rights to Reduce Tolls on the Dulles Toll Road
Supervisor Herrity looks at air rights as an alternative funding source to Phase II of the Silver Line.
With the impending contract award for Phase II of the Silver Line, time is running short to identify and act on some potential alternative funding proposals. Assuming no cost over runs, the total projected cost of Phase II is nearly $3 billion. As it stands now, Dulles Toll Road drivers are on the hook for 75% of these costs, or over $2 billion; still assuming no cost over runs. If we do not find alternative funding sources, I fear that the resulting high tolls will hamper the economic strength of the Dulles corridor.
It is for this reason that it is critically important for us to look for alternative funding sources to "buy down" these tolls, and reduce the coming burden for toll road users and the entire Dulles corridor. The $300 million included in the recently approved state transportation package will provide some relief for a few years.
There is general consensus that air rights may be worth pursuing but there have been few steps taken towards making this potential a reality. At my request, the Board will have a discussion on the feasibility of air rights at the next Transportation Committee meeting. Air rights basically involve developing the space over the Dulles Toll Road adjacent to a Metro station. The funds from the "sale" of the air rights would then be used to reduce the portion of funding of Phase II of the Silver Line. It is critical that this feasibility study be completed as soon as possible so construction of the Phase II stations would not preclude the use of air rights. In fact, it may require some investment, if deemed worthwhile.
