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Last week, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) members and several elected officials held a press conference to discuss the need for a dedicated funding source for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and other public transportation providers in the region.

Officials called for action on several different proposals that would provide up to $1 billion annually in statewide transportation funding, direct more funds to northern Virginia and prevent the diversion of transportation funds for other uses.

Although some state bills would provide new funds for public transit rolling stock, including WMATA passenger cars and Virginia Railway Express passenger cars and locomotives, not all include dedicated funds for WMATA — NVTC’s top 2006 legislative priority. The commission will continue to lobby for dedicated WMATA dollars.