Norton Raises Federal and Local Issues in Request for a Hearing on CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), ranking member of the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, today wrote Representative Tom Petri (R-WI), Chairman or the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, requesting a subcommittee hearing on the CSX Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project. Norton said that while the tunnel affects her constituents, federal issues also are involved because the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is the lead federal agency in the project. In her letter, Norton said, "Although the project is an important component of the nation's effort to add and update space for freight infrastructure, I do not believe there have been any oversight hearings." Citing a meeting she held in the Capitol Quarter community in November, the Norton letter pointed to some of the outstanding issues involved in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) such as noise, air quality, and construction near homes and senior housing.

Norton's community meeting heard presentations from CSX, FWHA, the D.C Department of Transportation, and questions and remarks from community residents. Norton said that at the meeting she and the community learned some information for the first time, but it became clear that many issues need federal oversight, including a proposed open trench during construction close to homes and senior housing, trains carrying hazardous material, rerouting during construction, and the experience of other districts where CSX has done similar work.

Published: December 5, 2013