Virginia Transportation Issues

Uh oh: As Dulles Rail Staggers, Players Share in Blame
Delays, Cost Run-Ups and a Threatened Loss of Funds Combine to Cloud the Project's Future.
Help is on the way?

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, looking for more lobbying muscle to help secure federal approval for the troubled Dulles rail project, is negotiating with former U.S. transportation secretary Norman Y. Mineta to represent the agency.

Mineta, 75, is vice chairman of Hill & Knowlton, the communications and lobbying firm, where he advises clients on transportation and national security issues. He joined the company after leaving the Bush administration in July 2006.

Regional tax increases are deemed legal, which should help improve commuter woes in Northern VA. At least, that's the goal. Is it worth it?
From WP:

An Arlington County Circuit Court judge upheld the constitutionality yesterday of a new state law allowing the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to impose taxes and issue bonds to finance as much as $300 million a year in regional highway and transit projects.

Circuit Court Judge Benjamin N.A. Kendrick ruled that nothing in the state or U.S. constitutions blocks the General Assembly from allowing a regional authority to assess taxes. And the panel's members are not required to be elected directly by Northern Virginia voters, he ruled. The decision was a defeat for opponents of higher taxes and the Loudoun County government.