(Editor’s note: This article from Watchdog.org’s Virginia Bureau on February 17th is reprinted because the idea that legislation needs to be passed to make sure the transportation funding’s top priority is congestion relief speaks volumes about what is wrong with government. This article highlights this legislation pending in the General Assembly.)
RICHMOND, Va. — Arlington’s controversial streetcar project — and any other Northern Virginia rail ventures — will face a steeper climb if state lawmakers approve House Bill 1470.
Delegate Dave LaRock’s measure makes “congestion reduction” the primary goal of any transit projects funded by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Currently, mass transit is exempt from the requirement.
The Hamilton Republican’s bill is buttressed by the House’s transportation funding package, House Bill 1887. That measure, by Delegate Chris Jones, R-Suffolk, prohibits highway maintenance and operating funds from going to transit projects, or to bike lanes or pedestrian trails.
Making congestion reduction the pre-eminent criteria for transportation and land-use planning in Northern Virginia is another blow to Arlington’s streetcar venture.
Watchdog reported late last year that county officials sidetracked the multibillion-dollar project as it struggled for funding and public support.
Though promoters haven’t given up, they haven’t been able to prove streetcars would relieve traffic on Columbia Pike and U.S. 1. Critics, including independent traffic engineers, say the trolleys would actually worsen congestion by reducing traffic lanes.
“The Tide” streetcar in Norfolk has also raised concerns, as local officials seek additional funding to expand the line that has the lowest ridership in the United States.
Bob Chase, president of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, has long argued for a prioritized system of approving road and transit projects. He supports LaRock’s bill,
which requires that mass transit proposals be evaluated on the same performance-based standard as all other transportation projects.
HB 1470 is already halfway home, having cruised through the House on a 97-0 vote.
(Virginia Watchdog.com ran this article on February 17, 2015)
