Congressmen Gerry Connolly and Jim Moran say that changes in the structure of Metro’s governing board, proposed by the Washington Board of Trade (BOT) and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), could dilute representation of local jurisdictions on the panel.

The two Northern Virginia lawmakers praised some of the other recommendations made by the groups about governance of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

Here is the statement issued today by Congressmen Connolly and Moran:

We appreciate the Washington Board of Trade and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments effort to develop recommendations improving WMATA governance.  The region should continue to work collaboratively to improve Metrorail funding, management, and governance.

The BOT/COG recommendations include many laudable ways to improve WMATA governance.  These positive suggestions include better orientation and training for Metro Board members and extending the chairmanship of the Metro Board from 1 to 2 years.  Other ideas, such as eliminating Metro Board alternates, are worthy of consideration.

However, we are concerned that changes in the WMATA board structure could dilute local representation on the WMATA board.  Since more than 70 percent of Virginia's contribution to WMATA comes from Northern Virginia taxpayers, Virginia's representation on the board should reflect this important funding reality.

We look forward to working with all parties to achieve a workable solution that will improve our region’s transit system.