The Washington, D.C., City Council has adopted changes to the bi-state compact governing the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority that allow for Virginia to seat two new members, while Maryland and D.C. get to appoint one new member each. The legislation must be signed by Washington Mayor Vincent Gray to become law.

Gov. Bob McDonnell, who had backed the change, said this in a prepared statement: “The taxpayers of Northern Virginia, and all Virginians, rely on the critical transportation infrastructure managed by MWAA. I look forward to MWAA seating our appointees at its next board meeting, so that the interests of all Virginians will be fully represented. This is another in a series of necessary steps, with more to come, to improve public confidence in the MWAA Board as it manages billions in public assets and projects for the people of Virginia and the region.”

It will be interesting to see what additional “necessary steps” are in the works.

— JAB