Maryland lawmakers had been moving gradually to hit the $167 million target that represents its portion under a Metro cost-sharing formula. “What the [Senate] president was saying was, ‘We’re going to pass a bill with $167 [million],’ ” Weissmann said. [D.C. Council chair backs away from threat that could have blocked Metro funding deal.] Without a dedicated source of funding, it was difficult for Metro to make long-term plans or count on adequate support. Government and private analyses and studies have repeatedlysaid the system needed dedicated funding, but efforts to provide it were always stymied.

Source: Washington Post March 22, 2018 23:33 UTC