Dear TysonsTunnel.org Supporter,

Hundreds of concerned Fairfax County residents like you spent part of Saturday, February 10 at the TysonsTunnel.org family rally learning a simple, but meaningful cheer: “We want a tunnel…now!”

More than 500 people—spanning all ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds—listened intently as numerous elected officials shared their opinion about one of the most pressing issues in the Washington Metro area today: How the Metrorail extension through Tysons Corner should built underground rather than on an elevated platform 70 feet in the air.

We were honored that more than a dozen elected officials, including Congressmen Tom Davis and Jim Moran, offered their opinions at the rally. Congressman Davis highlighted the turmoil and chaos in our community that would result from construction of elevated rail through our busiest commuter corridor. Meanwhile, Congressman Moran echoed the stance of Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine: If the Commonwealth does not move on the elevated-rail option $900 million in federal monies allocated to the project could possibly be lost.

In the words of Lee District Supervisor Dana Kauffman spoken at the rally: “There is time to do it right.” In fact, a Federal Transit Authority announcement last week stated clearly that the time frame for a final decision is May 2008. Further, the engineering and supporting studies completed last month by TysonsTunnel.org prove that building a tunnel will  be less expensive and faster and have less impact on commuters than the above-ground alternative. Also, competitive bidding of the project will likely save Virginia taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars!

As concern citizens, we must ensure that Tysons—the country’s 12th largest commercial district—remains a place where businesses can thrive and, just as importantly, families can live comfortably. Elevated rail will severely impact the way this community evolves in coming decades. A tunnel under Tysons Corner will ensure that this community remains a vibrant place to live and work.

The more than 15,000 people who have signed the TysonsTunnel.org petition—representing community associations, small businesses, environmental groups, landowners, civic groups, homeowner associations, major corporations and private citizens—demand that our elected officials consider all the facts before making a decision that will affect our community, our children and our grandchildren for the next 100 years.

Interestingly, during the February 10 rally, Congressman Moran received nearly simultaneous calls from Gov. Kaine and Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Chairman, Mame Reiley. “This issue is omnipresent on their minds,” the Congressman said after hanging up.

We say to Gov. Kaine, Congressman Moran and others: The tunnel and competitive bidding of this project are also omnipresent on the minds of the people you represent. Listen to them!

To the more than 500 people in attendance February 10 and the more than 15,000 individuals and 400 regional businesses that have signed the TysonsTunnel.org petition so far, we say “Thank You and Keep Up Your Efforts!” With your unwavering support we ultimately will prevail. The residents, commuters, and taxpayers of this community will be the beneficiaries of your steadfast efforts.

Sincerely,

Scott Monett
President, TysonsTunnel.org

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