Metro looks to plug $20 million budget gap

Washington DC (WBQB/WFVA/AP)  -- Metro officials say that to close a budget gap they can cobble together $36 million from sources including stimulus and insurance money.   Metro is currently facing a shortfall of more than $20 million. The shortfall is a result of a drop in ridership, in part because of unemployment, and rising costs, including costs associated with the June train crash that killed nine people.   The budget figures were part of a presentation scheduled for a Metro board committee meeting Thursday. Insurance money could provide $7 million for the budget gap and stimulus funds could provide $20 million.