The proportionate increase in Federal grants is a consequence of the more limited system proposed in H.R. 8929, which is principally located in the District of Columbia where Federal interests are paramount. As indicated in the explanatory attachment accompanying the bill, no further Federal grant contributions are contemplated if the system is ultimately extended to its fullest proposed length. Additions to the system both within and beyond the District of Columbia would be financed through the sale of bonds, and grants by local governments of the region outside of the District as provided in the financing schedule originally recommended by the Agency. Since the proposed schedule for the longer transit regional development program extended in any event over the period 1964-73, it would not be inappropriate for the Congress at this time to authorize construction of parts of that program which are consistent with, and at the same time essential elements of, the longer range regional development plan. Indeed, the knowledge gained in the development of the limited system will provide factual data upon which to base future decisions to expand the system into the regional transit program originally proposed by the Agency. The development program proposed in H.R. 8929 would not interfere with negotiations currently underway looking to the establishment of a regional compact agency with authority for development and administration of a regional transportation program. Negotiations can proceed, and at such time as they are completed, the Congress will be informed as to the extent to which Maryland and Virginia and their local subdivisions are willing and able to cooperate in development of the more extensive system. The program originally submitted to the Congress by the President continues to represent, in our view, the most desirable transit system from the standpoint of service, downtown distribution, and maximum contribution to a balanced regional transportation system. The long-range need for the comprehensive program is also an essential element in guiding the future development plans of the region. Other planning decisions should be based upon the knowledge that a regional transit development program will be advanced. For example, we believe that acceptance of a more limited system should not inhibit the continuation of cooperative highways-transit land acquisition along these corridors, extending beyond the transit system to be authorized by H.R. 8929, where location of transit facilities in the median of limited access highways is contemplated by the original program. The system outlined in H.R. 8929 is the essential core of a longrange transit development program and is in line with recognized broad regional developmental objectives. Accordingly, its enactment would be consistent with the administration's objectives. Sincerely yours, PHILLIP S. HUGHES, Assistant Director for Legislative Reference. THE COMMISSION OF FINE ARTS Hon. JOHN L. MCMILLAN, WASHINGTON, November 1, 1963. Chairman, Committee on the District of Columbia, U.S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR MR. MCMILLAN: My predecessor, Mr. David Finley, testified in favor of the original National Capital transportation bill. I wish to endorse his stand and then to add that I find the new modified transportation system very satisfactory, as proposed. I am sure that, if it is adopted, every effort will be made, during construction. to preserve the character and beauty of the Nation's Capital. With best wishes, WILLIAM WALTON, Chairman. ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF DEFENSE Hon. JOHN L. MCMILLAN, Chairman, Committee on the District of Columbia, WASHINGTON, D.C. DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: I have reviewed the material forwarded in your letter of October 24. My previous testimony before your committee applies to H.R. 7249, as modified. Sincerely, WILLIAM P. DURKEE, Deputy. GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Hon. JOHN L. MCMILLAN, WASHINGTON, D.C., November 4, 1963. Chairman, Committee on the District of Columbia, MY DEAR MR. MCMILLAN: The Commissioners of the District of Columbia have, for report, H.R. 8929, 88th Congress, a bill to authorize the prosecution of a transit development program for the National Capital region. The purpose of the bill is to authorize the National Capital Transportation Agency to undertake the development of certain transit facilities described in the Agency's "Summary Report on the Transit Development Program, May 1963," subject to the availability of appropriations and other funds. Specifically, the bill authorizes the Agency to undertake the construction and acquisition of the following rail transit routes, including the facilities pertinent to such routes: (1) The Northwest-Bethesda route from 12th and G Streets NW., to Van Ness Street NW.; (2) The Columbia Heights-Petworth route from 17th Street and Columbia Road NW., to the junction with the NorthwestBethesda route; Whereas it is the considered opinion of the General Assembly of Maryland that the Congress should amend said National Capital Transportation Act of 1960 to permit the District of Columbia to proceed with the construction of such Route 70S within the District of Columbia in order that the State of Maryland may complete Route 70S in Maryland to the District of Columbia line: now, therefore, be it Resolved by the General Assembly of Maryland, That the Congress of the United States is urged to amend Public Law 86-669, the National Capital Transportation Act of 1960, to permit the District of Columbia to construct Interstate Route 70S from downwtown Washington northward to the Maryland line in order that the State of Maryland may proceed with the construction of such route southward to the District of Columbia line thus making possible the completion of this much needed facility; and be it further Resolved, That a copy of this Resolution be sent to the President of the Senate of the United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives and to the United States Senators and members of the House of Representatives from Maryland. Approved by the Governor, May 6, 1963. CITY OF FAIRFAX, COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, Fairfax, Va., August 8, 1963. Hon. JOEL T. BROYHILL, House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. DEAR SIR: At their regular meeting of August 7, 1963, the Fairfax City Council considered your letter of July 22, 1963, concerning local financing of the proposed rapid transit system for the Washington metropolitan area. Insofar as the city of Fairfax is concerned, the council has directed me to advise you that (1) The proposed rapid transit system is considered essential to the proper development of the metropolitan area. (2) The proposed system should be completely financed from its own revenues if at all possible. (3) If total financing from fares and other transit revenues is not possible, then the city council is prepared to submit the question of local bond sales to its electorate. This, of course, is assuming that all other local jurisdictions will bear their equitable share of the financial burden. We wish to emphasize our enthusiasm toward this system and thank you very much for your interest and consideration. Whereas the National Capital Transportation Agency has developed a balanced transportation program to provide for the movement of people throughout the National Capital region at minimum cost; and Whereas this transportation program will serve to relieve this steadily increasing congestion of streets and highways and provide rapid, economical transportation for commuters; and Now, therefore, the Council of the Town of Vienna endorses in principle the program of the National Capital Transportation Agency and recommends that the Congress of the United States authorize and provide funds for the commencement of such a program; and be it further Resolved, That the Council of the Town of Vienna, Va., does not, by adopting this resolution intend to support any program which may result in the construction of less than the optimum modern highway system necessary to serve this area. Re H.R. 6633 and II.R. 7249. Hon. JOHN MCMILLAN, THE CITIZEN'S ASSOCIATION OF BELAIR, Chairman, Committee on the District of Columbia, (Attention: Mr. James F. Clark, clerk of the committee). DEAR CONGRESSMAN MCMILLAN Pursuant to a resolution adopted unanimously on August 1, 1963, I am writing to advise you and the committee that the executive committee of the Citizen's Association of Belair has endorsed in principle the transit development program of the National Transportation Agency and urges an early and favorable report on H.R. 6633 and H.R. 7249. The executive committee speaks for and on behalf of 1,400 members of the Citizen's Association of Belair, all of whom are citizens of the city of Bowie, Md. As you may know, Bowie is the fastest-growing city in Prince George's County, will be the largest city within the county within a few short years, and could possibly be the second largest city in the State of Maryland. We believe that an essential element of its proper growth is the concomitant development of adequate transportation facilities; and that transportation into Washington by means other than by highways and present bus and railroad facilities will be needed. The transit development program includes a railroad commuter line operating on the present track of the Pennsylvania Railroad from Bowie to Union Station and connecting there with the proposed subway. It is planned that the Bowie line will be one of the first in operation. Indeed, section 2(3) of the bills provides that the extension of the system to Bowie may proceed without the further agreement with State officials necessary for extension of other parts of the system. It is interesting and important to note that he predicted population growth of Bowie will reach a peak of about 30,000 at approximately the same time as the Bowie line would be put into operation (about 1968–69). Many of the members of the association work in Washington and are, therefore, vitally interested in the implementation of the entire program and will use it. Those who have driven daily since the Annapolis Expressway (U.S. 50, the only direct highway connection of Bowie to Washington) since its opening in November 1961, can not but help notice the ever increasing traffic thereon. In order to avoid strangulation of this highway as the population of Bowie doubles and then triples within the next 5-10 years due to the growth of the Belair subdivision, the establishment of an alternative, convenient, and wellplanned means of transportation is mandatory. We believe the presently proposed plan, the implementation of which the present bills authorize, is both wise and necessary and in our situation is especially farsighted. The future population density of our city will require high density transportation, and when considered together with the areas of our county served by the other six stations on the proposed Bowie line, the need is, we believe, undeniable. For the above reasons we wish to add our endorsement in principle of the transit development program to that already given by the commissioners of Prince George's County and the Prince George's County Civic Federation. We further urge the early and favorable report of the bills by your committee. Finally, we ask that this letter be placed in the record of the publie hearings on the bills. Respectfully submitted. RICHARD W. SAUNDERS, Secretary. ARLINGTON COUNTY CIVIC FEDERATION, Arlington, Va., June 14, 1963. Mr. CODY PFANSTIEHL, Chief, Community Service Division, National Capital Transportation Agency, DEAR MR. PFANSTIEHL: I would like to call your attention to the following resolution adopted unanimously by the Arlington Civic Federation at the June general membership meeting. "Resolved, That the Arlington County Civic Federation favors in principle the National Capital Transportation Agency plan for a rapid transit system for the Washington metropolitan area." Sincerely, BETTY TAFF, Secretary. BURNT MILLS HILLS CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, NATIONAL CAPITAL TRANSPORTATION AGENCY, GENTLEMEN: At a regular meeting of the Burnt Mills Hills Citizens Association on January 29, 1963, the following resolution was duly passed: “It is resolved, that the Burnt Mills Hills Citizens Association heartily endorses the mass transportation plan as envisioned by the National Capital Transportation Agency of Washington, D.C., which provides for fast, comfortable, conveyances to and from the heart of the city with a minimum of inconvenience and loss of time." Yours very truly, JOHN B. NUTTER, President. RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE FAIRFAX COUNTY FEDERATION OF CITIZENS ASSOCIATIONS AT THE MEMBERSHIP MEETING HELD JANUARY 17, 1963 Resolved, that the Fairfax County Federation of Citizens Associations, having considered the recommendations for transportation in the National Capital region as presented in a report to the President for transmittal to Congress by the National Capital Transportation Agency (NCTA) dated November 1, 1962: (1) Endorses the recommendation of NCTA that immediate and primary consideration be given to the construction of a substantial rail rapid transit system reaching from downtown Washington into the suburbs, including Fairfax County, supplemented by adequate highways and highway transit. (2) Endorses the recommendation of NCTA that at least two rail rapid transit lines and two express buslines provide service to Fairfax County, but reserves judgment on the location of proposed rapid transit lines, the adequacy of these lines to fully meet the needs of Fairfax County, and the need for new highways until such time as the detailed studies of NCTA can be studied and appraised in the light of current Fairfax County highway proposals. (3) Endorses the proposal of NCTA that the capital cost of the proposed rapid transit system be financed primarily through Federal loans and federally guaranteed private loans with approximately 15 percent contributed by Federal subscription, and approximately 7% percent contributed by city and county subscriptions allocated and timed to meet relative construction costs in these jurisdictions and payable after debt retirement. However, a reasonable portion of construction costs should be borne by other jurisdictions located so as to receive service but through which lines do not pass. (4) Urges the Congress to enact at this session the necessary legislation, including the appropriation of funds, to permit NCTA, in cooperation with appropriate jurisdictions, to construct as expeditiously as practicable a rapid transit system to serve the National Capital region. To avoid delay, construction of the District of Columbia portion of the system should begin not later than 1964 and should not be predicated on prior approval of lines in surrounding juisdictions or the availability of funds to meet the cost of construction of lines in those jurisdictions. To permit full service at the earliest practicable date Federal authorizations and appropriations should be adequate to permit construction to commence in a jurisdiction outside the District of Columbia as soon as that jurisdiction is authorized and financially able and willing to proceed with its portion of the system. (5) Urges the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia to enact the necessary legislation at its next session to enable Fairfax County and other northern Virginia jurisdictions through whom rapid transit lines serving the National Capital region may pass or which are served by such lines to provide funds required to construct a rapid transit system in northern Virginia. (6) Urges the Board of Supervisors of Fairfax County (a) To direct that immediate studies be made by the County staff in close cooperation with NCTA and other local jurisdictions, of the number and location of rapid transit lines to provide effective service to Fairfax County |