Federal Stimulus Package

 

Alliance Urges Region's Leaders to Make Wise Choices

 
In December 17th testimony to the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance observed that while the much-talked about federal transportation stimulus package is a great opportunity for our region, it comes with the responsibility for public officials to invest in projects that do the most to reduce congestion and travel times.
 
Noting that Virginia voters rejected regional referenda in 2002 because they didn't trust government would spend the money well, Alliance president Bob Chase said, "Selecting well is important not only to ensure we get the greatest mobility return on any new federal transportation investment, but to build taxpayer confidence that government is capable of investing their tax dollars wisely so that in the future the public might support new taxes or funding sources at the state and regional levels."
 
The Alliance noted that investing well requires "focus on performance-based priorities that will move, save time, unlock the grid and reduce congestion for tens of thousands of people and create more jobs in this region."
 
"With our transportation network and economy in crisis, this is not the time to trivialize federal dollars on trails, sidewalks and amenities that clearly are local responsibilities. Serious problems require serious discipline and focus on serious solutions."
 
As it has often in the past, the Alliance chastised regional leaders for failing to establish well-defined priorities. Noting that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority recently said it would have difficulty prioritizing its stimulus package recommendations, the Alliance said, "Setting priorities is difficult. It also is necessary."
 

To have a future that's merry and bright
We must invest in the projects that are right.

 
 
To read the Alliance testimony, click here.