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The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has approved $900 million to help fund Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) line extensions to Tysons Corner and Dulles International Airport.

The $5.2 billion Dulles Corridor Metrorail project is divided into two phases: an 11-mile extension from East Falls Church to Reston, Va., and a 12-mile extension to the Dulles airport. To be called the Silver Line after they're completed in 2015, the extensions would alleviate congestion on the Dulles Toll Road and help Fairfax County, Va., transform Tysons Corner into a series of walkable urban neighborhoods.

The USDOT’s funding plan now moves to Congress for a 60-day comment period, after which the project will be qualified to receive federal funds.

The project, which will link the nation's capital with the nation's international airport, is advancing because of joint efforts by public and private constituents, said Virginia Gov. Timothy Kaine in a prepared statement.

“This demonstrated leadership and willingness to work together can serve as a model for future complex projects on how federal, state, local, and private partners can work together to address the needs of our citizens,” he said.