The Washington Post, 9/17/18:
Metro board chairman splits with Wiedefeld, says $15.5 billion request is too conservative
In a break with Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld, board Chairman Jack Evans says the agency should be pushing for $25 billion over 10 years to cover the system’s long-term needs, significantly more than the $15.5 billion the agency chief has requested.
Evans said the additional money could be used for projects such as a second Potomac River tunnel to relieve chronic congestion and a permanent fix for water infiltration problems that create repeated arcing incidents on the Red Line.
Wiedefeld says Metro needs $15.5 billion over 10 years, including $500 million in annual dedicated funding, to keep the system safe and reliable. But at a Metro board meeting Thursday, he outlined $9.5 billion in anticipated needs not covered in his proposal.
