BETHESDA, Md (WUSA9) — Maryland Governor Larry Hogan signed a bill Wednesday that will give dedicated funding to Metro. But the $167 million pledge means the transit agency must prove it is on the right track through a series of periodic reports, the first due in June.
"They will not get the money if they do not adhere to this," said Maryland House Democrat Marc Korman, who sponsored the legislation now signed into law.
Each year, Metro must send the state reports on ridership, performance, spending, and its finances. Without the annual reports, the Governor can pull state funding.
"For WMATA, this is critical," said Korman. "For riders, this is critical. If you're somebody who sits in traffic, it's critical."
Virginia and the District of Columbia are also chipping in to make up Metro's new, $500 million funding stream. Virginia's legislation has not yet been signed into law.
Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld stressed Wednesday that the more predictable source funding will allow Metro to continue improving safety and reliability while starting long-term projects.
State leaders underscored the funding package could attract Amazon to establish its new headquarters, known as HQ2, in the area. Montgomery County, Northern Virginia, and the District are all vying in a nationwide contest.
Korman stressed any major business needs reliable mass transit for employees. Marriott is preparing to relocate its headquarters to Bethesda.
"Amazon is symptomatic of where businesses want to be," said Korman. "This is not just an Amazon trend, it's a business trend."
