U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood says the Metro’s Silver Line construction to Dulles International Airport would be the model for future projects in the country, WTOP reports.
Speaking at the 30th Anniversary celebration of the Washington Airports Task Force, LaHood said the Silver Line agreement and funding deal have been historically successful.
He compared the project to the Hoover Dam, Panama Canal and the interstate highway system in terms of acting as a model for infrastructure projects.
The federal government contributed $900 million to the first phase of the project which is set to be completed in 2013 and will extend the Silver Line to Wiehle Avenue in Reston.
The Silver Line project could cost up to $6 billion and will branch off the Orange Line at West Falls Church station and extend through Loudoun County.
