CITY OF ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA, April 21, 1967. Subject: Recommended Modifications of the System of Rail Rapid Transit Lines and Related Facilities Authorized in the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965. Mr. WALTER J. MCCARTER, Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR MR. MCCARTER: The subject proposal has been reviewed by the City of Alexandria, and we can see no problems in relation to this project as set forth in the draft. Sincerely, Whereas The National Capital Transportation Agency has proposed and requested the comments of the Falls Church City Council, among others, on a modification to the "basic" rapid transit system authorized by Congress, these changes consisting primarily of adding a Southwest Washington line and deleting the Columbia Heights Route; and Whereas This basic system, is located primarily in the District of Columbia but is to serve as the core of a regional rapid transit serving commuters, workers, and shoppers both from the suburbs to the central city and from the central city to the suburbs; and Whereas Regional Rapid Transit is a vital necessity in this modern age with more and more autos, but limited highways and disappearing parking space; and Whereas The Congress has directed continuing, coordinated, comprehensive, transportation planning as a prerequisite to further highway construction support, which planning is being performed by the National Capital Regional Transportation Planning Board, based on staff study and input from regional planning groups, and the various jurisdictions and their planning organizations: and Whereas The inputs of the Regional Transportation Planning Board and the National Capital Transportation Agency will be considered in the deliberations of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in its development of a regional rapid transit system: Now, therefore, The Falls Church City Council hereby resolves: 1. The creation of regional rapid transit should be accomplished at the earliest possible date; 2. Falls Church will support its fair and proportionate share of a regional rapid transit system; 3. The "burgeoning public and private building complex now developing south of the Mall in Southwest Washington and the Federal Triangle" needs rail transit service, not only from the proposed modified "basic" subway system and its regional extensions, but also from commuter train service from Maryland and Virginia; 4. Falls Church supports the proposed modification as an improvement to the existing plans for the "basic" system, and urges its adoption in order to provide regional rapid transit at the earliest possible date. Adopted April 14, 1967. WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT COMMISSION, Hon. WALTER J. MCCARTER, Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR. MR. MCCARTER: This Commission has received your draft report describing NCTA's Proposed 1967 Revision of the Transit Development Program. Please be advised that, after review by our Engineering Staff, this Commission has no objections to interpose. Very truly yours, MELVIN E. LEWIS, Executive Director. WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY, Hon. WALTER J. MCCARTER, Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR MR. MCCARTER: By memorandum dated March 29, 1967, you requested the comments of the WMATA on the proposal of the NCTA to modify the 'Authorized System," which modification would provide rapid transit service to the southwest area of Washington, D.C. At its meeting held on April 7, 1967, the Board of Directors of the WMATA endorsed your proposal to modify the "Authorized System." Sincerely yours, JACKSON GRAHAM, General Manager. WASHINGTON SUBURBAN TRANSIT COMMISSION, Mr. WALTER MCCARTER, Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR MR. MCCARTER: The Washington Suburban Transit Commission, at its meeting of April 10, 1967, passed a resolution supporting and urging the adoption of the modification as outlined in your letter of March 29, 1967. A copy of this resolution is attached for your information. Sincerely yours, ROBERT W. PULLY, Executive Secretary. RESOLUTION Whereas, the National Capital Transportation Agency has proposed a 1967 revision of the transportation development program authorized by the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965 (PL 89-173, 79 Stat. 663); and Whereas this Commission has studied this revision which calls for an additional line in the southwest Independence Avenue area and is of the opinion that this modification is required for the benefits of the residents in Prince George's and Montgomery Counties: Therefore, be it Resolved, That the Washington Suburban Transit Commission supports and urges the adoption of the modifications outlined by the National Capital Transportation Agency in its letter of March 29, 1967. Attest: This is a true copy of a Resolution passed by the Washington Suburban Transit Commission at its meeting of April 10, 1967. ROBERT W. PULLY, Executive Secretary. NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, Arlington, Va., April 21, 1967. Mr. WALTER J. MCCARTER, DEAR WALTER: The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission appreciates the opportunity you afforded it to comment on the modifications you have proposed to the basic rail rapid transit system authorized by Congress in P.L. 89-173. In accordance with the request contained in your transmittal letter of 29 March 1967, the Commission has reviewed the proposed modifications. Mr. Quenstedt and Mr. Herman ably answered questions of Commissioners at the April NVTC meeting, last night, and the enclosed resolution was consequently adopted. Sincerely, Gordon RESOLUTION OF THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION Whereas the National Capital Transportation Agency has proposed modifications to the rail rapid transit system authorized by Congress in 1965 and has requested comments from the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission; Whereas the Governor of Virginia has advised the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission that he desires the Commission's advice regarding his approval of transit installations in accordance with the National Capital Transportation Act of 1960; and— Whereas the proposed modifications will provide better distribution of rapid transit passengers in the commercial and employment areas of Washington, and will provide additional capacity for trains from suburban areas-thereby offering superior rapid transit service for Virginians: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission endorses the modifications proposed by the National Capital Transportation Agency and recommends to the Governor of Virginia and to the Congress of the United States that approval be given for said modifications; and be it further Resolved, That the National Capital Transportation Agency give consideration to provision of a transfer point where the railroad intersects the proposed subway in the Southwest Mall area of Washington for the convenience of commuter-train passengers from Virginia suburbs; and be it further Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the National Capital Transportation Agency, to the appropriate members and Committees of Congress, to the Governor of Virginia, to the Northern Virginia delegation to the Virginia General Assembly, and to other agencies having concern for transportation in Northern Virginia. Moved by Commissioner Frederick A. Babson, seconded by Commissioner Nicholas A. Colasanto, and passed unamimously, April 20, 1967. NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION, Mr. WALTER J. MCCARTER, Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR WALTER: Enclosed is a copy of a letter, dated 28 April 1967, from Sincerely, Gordon APRIL 24, 1967. Hon. MILLS E. GODWIN, Jr., SIR: In your letter of 25 March 1966 to this Commission, you indicated that you will seek the advice of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission when your approval of transit installations is requested by the National Capital Transportation Agency (NCTA). NCTA desires to modify the already-approved plan for subways in downtown Washington (including a short extension to the Pentagon Building in Virginia). The Virginia segment is not altered by the proposed modifications. Some of the proposed modifications within the District of Columbia will be of benefit to Virginia commuters. It is our understanding that NCTA has written to you to request your approval of the proposed modifications. Therefore, the Commission, in expressing its endorsement of the modifications, directed the enclosed resolution to you in hopes that after you confer with State Highway Commissioner Douglas B. Fugate on this matter, you will notify NCTA of your approval. I shall be pleased to furnish to you any further information you may desire. Very truly yours, GORDON J. THOMPSON, COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, Mr. GORDON J. THOMPSON, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, DEAR MR. THOMPSON: I have your letter of April twenty-fourth pertaining to the National Capital Transportation Agency's request for approval of proposed modification in the plan for subways in downtown Washington. I appreciate your Commission advising me of the proposed changes and giving me the benefit of the Commission's action. If further information is desired, we will certainly contact you. MILLS E. GODWIN, Jr. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Mr. GORDON J. THOMPSON, Executive Director, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, DEAR MR. THOMPSON: Governor Godwin has very kindly forwarded me correspondence with you regarding the modifications desired in the already approved plan for subways in downtown Washington. It is noted that the Virginia segment is not altered by the proposed modifications but rather, in the view of your agency, the proposals will be of benefit to Virginia commuters. On the basis of your recommendation, I am pleased to join in approval of these modifications. Sincerely, DOUGLAS B. FUGATE, Commissioner. NATIONAL CAPITAL PLANNING COMMISSION, Mr. WALTER J. MCCARTER, Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR MR. MCCARTER: In accordance with Mr. Quenstedt's request of March 24, 1967, the National Capital Planning Commission, at its meeting on April 6, reviewed the proposed revision of the Transit Development Program authorized by the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965. The Commission approved the revisions, as set forth in your transmittal document dated March 29, 1967. However, the Commission is concerned about the provision for rapid transit beyond that which is included in the revised system, particularly in the North Central and Anacostia areas of the city. Accordingly, the Commission recommends that, in order to allow for such service in the future, provision be made in the planning and design of the authorized system for service along 7th Street, N.W. or 14th Street, N.W., with transfer stations at 7th and G Streets, N.W., and 7th and D Streets, S.W. Since the proposed modifications would eliminate transit stations east of the Capitol and direct connections between Union Station and the Southwest Mall area, the Commission also recommends that facilities be planned so that service can eventually be built cast of the Capitol connecting Union Station with the Southwest Mall. Sincerely yours, CHARLES H. CONRAD, METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS, Mr. WALTER MCCARTER. DEAR MR. MCCARTER: On behalf of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board, I am pleased to be able to advise you that each body has expressed formal endorsement of the modification of the system of rapid rail transit lines and related facilities authorized in the National Capital Transportation Act of 1965, to wit, the deletion of the proposed Columbia Heights route and substitution for it of an expanded downtown line, and the modification of certain junctions as described by Mr. Warren Quenstedt to both bodies. Should your desire further detailed information, please feel free to get in touch with me. Sincerely yours, WALTER A. SCHEIBER, Executive Director. NORTHERN VIRGINIA REGIONAL PLANNING COMMISSION, Mr. WALTER J. MCCARTER, Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR MR. MCCARTER: The Commission was pleased to receive the draft report, dated March 29, 1967, describing NCTA's proposed 1967 revision of the now authorized Transit Development Program for its review and comment. At its Executive Committee meeting on April 11, a motion was made by Mr. John T. Ticer (elected representative from Alexandria), seconded by Mr. Philip D. Fisher (elected representative from Fairfax City, and also a member of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission), and unanimously approved, as follows: Whereas the modifications contained in the draft report appear to improve the train capacity and operating efficiency of the basic system; Whereas the transportation needs of the people of the National Capital Region appear to be greatly improved: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Executive Committee of the Commission recommends to the Congress that it act favorably on NCTA's proposed modifications; further Resolved, That NCTA now consider the installation of a transfer point in the southwest area of Washington, D.C. (between Independence and Maryland Avenues), which transfer point would serve as an effective connecting link to proposed rail rapid transit commuter facilities entering southwest Washington, D.C. over the existing 14th Street railroad bridge, thereby improving vastly service to and from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sincerely, JEWELL H. PEDERSEN, Chairman. Mr. WALTER J. MCCARTER, THE MARYLAND-NATIONAL CAPITAL Administrator, The National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR MR. MCCARTER: At its regular meeting on April 19, 1967 the MarylandNational Capital Park and Planning Commission considered the request from National Capital Transportation Agency to review and comment on a proposed 1967 revision of the Transit Development Program, as described in your memorandum of transmittal dated March 29, 1967. The Commission unanimously approved the proposed revision, noting that the resulting change in the downtown system would improve the overall distribution of lines eventually to be extended into the Maryland suburbs. The Commission appreciates this opportunity to comment on the proposed revisions to the Transit Development Plan. Sincerely yours, JOHN S. HEWINS, Director of Planning. Hon. WALTER MCCARTER, FEDERAL CITY COUNCIL, Washington, D.C., April 21, 1967. Administrator, National Capital Transportation Agency, Washington, D.C. DEAR WALTER: As you will note, the attached resolution, passed by the Board of Trustees at its Mid-Winter meeting, February 17, 1967, puts the Council solidly on record in support of the McCarter route plan. 81-965-67-3 |