CONTACT:
Clare Flannery
(202) 969-3332
info@metronow.com
Washington, D.C. – As legislative sessions gain speed in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. with Metro reform taking center stage, MetroNow, a coalition committed to immediate action achieving long-term dedicated funding and reform for Metro system, welcomed new members from across the business, nonprofit, and advocacy sectors.
MetroNow’s growing coalition reaffirmed its commitment to bring diverse voices from across the region together with Virginia, Maryland, and District leaders in order to secure the legislative victories that will create a safer, stronger, and fiscally-sound Metro. MetroNow is pleased to welcome to its coalition:
- Capital One
- Exelon
- Washington Gas
- Hilton
- MedStar Health
- Marriott
- ULI-Washington
- Washington Airports Task Force
- Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance
- The American Council of Engineering Companies of Metropolitan Washington (ACEC/MW)
- The American Council of Engineering Companies/ Maryland (ACEC/MD)
- Southern Environmental Law Center
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)
“With elected officials throughout the region debating legislation on funding and reform for Metro as we speak, our growing membership is showing its strength at the right time,” said MetroNow Campaign Manager Clare Flannery.
“A safe, reliable Metro is a win for everyone in our region – from the University of Maryland student to the nightshift bartender in D.C. and the small business owner in Virginia. At MetroNow, our members have been active and vocal in Annapolis, Richmond, in D.C.’s Wilson Building, and on Capitol Hill, reminding lawmakers just how important urgent action is to the region’s long-term growth and vitality. And so far, it’s working. Legislation is moving in all three jurisdictions, creating tangible momentum.
“But we can’t stop now,” Flannery continued. “We will keep working with regional leaders to provide Metro with dedicated funding and reform for the first time in its history, allowing for the necessary investments in renewing and rehabilitating the systems’ basic infrastructure. Our future depends on it.”
Last week at the Richmond capitol, the House and Senate took the historic first step by passing funding and reform bills. In Annapolis, hearings continued throughout the week on funding and reform bills. In DC, funding and reform have received strong supporting in hearings and legislation is expected soon.
“Virginia took the first step last week in the process of fulfilling its full funding obligation. We look forward to working with leaders in Virginia, Maryland and the District to ensure each jurisdiction passes necessary funding and governance reforms for Metro this year,” said Flannery.
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About MetroNow
The MetroNow coalition is made up of regional leaders from the business, non-profit, and advocacy communities. We have come together to ensure that action is taken to put Metro – the backbone of greater Washington’s transportation infrastructure – on a safe, smart and sustainable path forward in 2018 and beyond. We are dedicated to securing comprehensive improvement of Metro’s governance, funding and operational structures in 2018. MetroNow is led by an executive committee of Federal City Council, Greater Washington Partnership, Coalition for Smarter Growth, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, The 2030 Group, and Greater Washington Board of Trade.