HomeMy Public PortalAbout2012_06_12_R073 Support for Dulles RailThe Town of
Leesburg,
Virginia
PRESENTED: June 12, 2012
RESOLUTION NO. 2012 -073 ADOPTED: June 12, 2012
A RESOLUTION: SUPPORT OF EXTENDING METRO RAIL INTO LOUDOUN
COUNTY
WHEREAS, there is a twenty year history of planning for the extension of rail into
Loudoun County to Dulles airport and beyond for transit access; and
WHEREAS, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tony
Howard, and Chairman of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Kurt
Krause, have committed to help ensure that Phase II of the Dulles rail project is completed in the
most responsible, cost effective manner that protects the interests of Loudoun citizens and
businesses; and
WHEREAS, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for the
long term economic competitiveness and quality of life benefit associated with the project; and
WHEREAS, the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission, with
representation from several Leesburg businesses, submitted a Resolution to the Loudoun County
Board of Supervisors supporting economic benefits of the project, including the creation of Transit
Oriented Developments (TOD) and associated new economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Stephen Fuller of George Mason University has reported that rail to
Loudoun will generate real tangible benefits to Loudoun County, including job creation and
reduced tax burdens for Loudoun citizens, and
WHEREAS, a Market and Fiscal analysis from Robert Charles Lesser & Co. supports
positive economic benefit from the project, and
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A RESOLUTION: SUPPORT OF EXTENDING METRO RAIL INTO LOUDOUN
COUNTY
WHEREAS, however, the funding sources of the phase II extension of Metrorail have not
been determined, and
WHEREAS, the Town of Leesburg faces the possibility of losing its gas tax revenue by
the phase II extension of Metrorail, which is a significant source of revenue for the Town, and
WHEREAS, a special taxing district should be considered for funding instead of a
countywide tax on all Loudoun County taxpayers or a commercial and industrial tax on Loudoun
County businesses, as well as consideration of a replacement for the loss of gas tax revenue for
the Town of Leesburg.
THEREFORE, RESOLVED by the Council of the Town of Leesburg in Virginia our
support of the extension of rail into Loudoun County.
PASSED this 12th day of June, 2012.
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Town of Leesburg
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P:\Resolutions\2012 \0612 Support for Dulles Rail.docx