As I wrote the other day, I agree with the Virginia Coalition for Smarter Growth when it says:
Without a plan and unless communities have the power to control their futures, more transportation money won?t solve their traffic problems. The Governor and the Senate have taken a step in the right direction with one or two land use powers in their packages, but these are no substitute for a much more comprehensive approach to land use which is still missing from the plans. Moreover, there is no sign that the existing long and still unaffordable list of transportation projects will be reexamined.
Like the Coalition for Smarter Growth, I do NOT support large new allocationg going to more road building (and, inevitably, more sprawl) without a comprehensive and strong plan for managing growth in our state. I also can't say I'm enthused about using the General Fund for transportation purposes, even on a one-time basis. Frankly, there are a lot more important uses for this money (e.g., put it into cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay or Kaine's excellent pre-K "Start Strong" plan).
As far as taxes are concerned, I'd like to see Smart Growth measures seriously implemented before we start raising billions of dollars for more pavement. I personally would also support a simple "geo-green" tax on gasoline rather than the proposed hodgepodge of fees and taxes on abusive drivers, insurance premiums, etc.
Having said all that, let me emphasize the POSITIVE aspects of Gov. Kaine's plan, of which there are many. For the record, I strongly support the following nine items on the Governor's agenda:
1) Locking up the Transportation Trust Fund
2) Creating a Commission on Transportation Accountability
3) Requiring a traffic impact statement for every rezoning request
4) Empowering local governments to say no to rezoning requests
5) Providing better oversight of VDOT
6) Expanding resources for the Intermodal Office
7) Implementing technology solutions such as synchronizing traffic lights
8) Expanding matching grant programs
9) Increasing the amount of money going to public transportation
In other words, there's a lot of good in Gov. Kaine's plan, and I would strongly urge that all of these nine items be passed as expeditiously as possible by the General Assembly. In my opinion, the rest of the plan should be strengthened, in line with what the Coalition for Smarter Growth suggests. Once a comprehensive plan for land use in Virginia is put into place, with strong environmental protections, then it will be high time to talk about the mix of transportation funds - and revenues - to be allocated.
One thing is for sure; I do NOT agree with the "no taxes for anything, anytime, anywhere" crowd. Virginia is a great state, but to keep it great, we need to invest in her future. And that future, in turn, depends heavily upon making smart choices on transportation and land use today.