The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors requested during a board meeting June 22 that its auditor’s office conduct an ongoing review of change orders and proposed change orders associated with the extension of Metrorail to Dulles International Airport.

Supervisor John Foust (D-Dranesville), who is chair of the board’s audit committee, suggested the county keep an eye on the project because of the impact change orders and cost overruns could have on Fairfax County taxpayers.
"This is not based on any indication that there is anything wrong that needs to be looked into at this time," said Foust, whose McLean constituents will be affected by the rail’s four new Metro stations in Tysons Corner.

"This is a big project that is enormously important to the county. We want to know where the money is going," said Supervisor Linda Smyth (D-Providence), who also has constituents living adjacent to the new rail line.

Supervisor Patrick Herrity (R-Supervisor) added that the project’s cost is important to all county residents, not just those living near the rail extension.

The federal government’s contribution to the project has been capped at $800 million and the money contributed by landowners who stand to benefit from the project also has an upper limit.

The Commonwealth of Virginia is contributing its portion through money generated by the Dulles Toll Road revenue and it is unclear who would provide extra funding if the project’s approximately $5 billion cost escalated.

"It hasn’t been decided where those cost overruns are coming from," said Herrity.

The Springfield supervisor fears that Fairfax taxpayers could be stuck paying the rest of the rail project’s tab if the project comes in over budget. The price tag of the total project could partially be driven up by change orders, he said.

While it is important to keep a close eye on the project, Fairfax County Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-At-large) said supervisors should keep the magnitude of Dulles rail construction in perspective.

"There will be some change orders with a project that large," she said.