Twin Win But For Whom
Kenneth R. “Ken” Plum

Critics of rail in the Dulles corridor who raised questions about the financial viability of the project were dealt a serious blow last week when the private financial market stepped up to offer to put $1.2 billion into the project. Under the proposal put forth under the Virginia PPTA process that encourages private investments in public infrastructure, a partnership among national and international firms would put money up front to the state to be recovered from collections from the Dulles Toll Road that the partnership would operate.

Users of the toll road would see immediate benefit from the partnership which promises to provide surface improvements on the road, elimination of bottlenecks at key intersections, and more efficient collection of tolls. For those interested in the rail project, the partnership arrangement would provide the state’s share of the cost of Dulles Rail immediately. Such an infusion of cash may enhance the state’s position in working with the federal government and would provide resources that might be used to improve the schedule for rail completion.

You can be sure that the finance partners took a close look at the numbers before making the proposal. The growth numbers expected for the corridor are phenomenal without transportation improvements. The corridor is simply one of the economic hot spots in the country. The proposal takes away any argument that others have made that the project is a “boondoggle.”

As attractive as the proposal may be to toll road users and rail supporters in the short run, it requires close scrutiny. Absolute safeguards must be in place to protect against future toll increases beyond those currently planned. Responsibility for the debt created must be with the private partners and not with the state. Beyond the initially provided improvements, there must be provisions for future road maintenance. As the PPTA process requires, the state must open it for proposals from other competitors if it is interested in pursuing the idea. It is likely that there will be other proposals.

The region has shown great leadership in transportation already. With a major international airport, the access road as well as the toll road, a very successful bus rapid transit system, and the coming rail system, the region is in a position to maintain its quality of life even with the expected population increase. There will be no Tysons Corner kind of development coming to Reston. The local board of supervisors and I will see to that. With transit oriented development there is a real possibility of actually reducing traffic.

Just as Reston was one of the areas that voted for the referendum on transportation in 2002, the region is ready I believe to look to the future for transportation innovation and improvements. Whether the privatization of the Dulles Toll Road is a “twin win” for commuters as described by its proponents remains to be seen. At the very minimum there must be a cap on toll increases. And we need to have a better answer as to why the state should give up control of such a valuable asset.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Congratulations to Dee Cotton and the Island Walk Partnership of Reston for being selected by the Community Associations Institute Washington Metropolitan Chapter to receive a Community Association of the Year Award for 2005. Categories used by the Institute to evaluate homeowners associations include building community spirit, developing a sound budget, and creating crime prevention programs.

The Democratic Coordinated Campaign Headquarters for Tim Kaine, Leslie Byrne, and Creigh Deeds will be hosting a FREE movie night this Friday, August 5, at 7:30 p.m. and will be showing “Wellstone!”. “Wellstone!” is an inspiring and surprisingly funny biography of a unique political couple. Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone and his wife, Sheila, grew up in Arlington, Virginia and changed politics forever by making government matter to ordinary people. The movie has great home video and archival footage as well as interviews with the Wellstones’ close friends, family, and staff. Running time is 88 minutes. Campaign Headquarters is located at 1575 Anderson Road, McLean. Call 703.720.2600 with questions.

Training sessions are scheduled for hands-on demonstrations of how to prepare home emergency supply kits. Attend a training session on Monday, August 8, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the North County Government Center, 12000 Bowman Towne Drive, Reston. The Red Cross will be providing the demonstrations. For more information about the program, contact the Fairfax County Community Interfaith Liaison Office at 703.324.8272 or visit www.fairfaxcountycitizencorps.org.

The Washington Metropolitan Area District Office of the U.S. Small Business Administration has moved to a new location at 740 15th Street, N.W., 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20005. The new phone number is 202.272.0345; fax is 202.272.0270. For questions about services, contact Diane M. Bynum, Public Information Officer, at Diane.Bynum@sba.gov.

Make your opinions about transportation policies known by participating in a survey. A doctoral candidate in George Mason University’s School of Public Policy is conducting a survey to assess public opinion about the affects of transportation policies on quality of life. In particular, opinions are needed about the social and economic effects of implementing Ramp Metering, HOV Lanes, and HOT Lanes on Interstate 66 in Northern Virginia. The survey is online and responses are anonymous. Access the survey at http://www.stargazer.org/public/SG-812.

Help shape Virginia’s sustainable future. Attend Virginia’s Sustainable Future Summit, September 13 to 15, Greater Richmond Convention Center, Richmond, VA. Engage in presentations, tours, and workshops on environmentally and economically sound, energy efficient policies and practices for your work, home, and community. Hear about solutions for the environment, business, and communities. Keynote speakers include cabinet secretaries in the Warner Administration, federal agency officials, and association executives. Visit www.vsf3.org for more information.

The Potomac Council, an association of Northern Virginia’s six soil and water conservation districts, will be hosting Potomac Watershed Forum IV, a day-long public event featuring presentations on the most innovative tools and techniques for protecting Potomac River water quality. Attend the Potomac Watershed Forum IV on Friday, August 12, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Manassas campus of George Mason University. Registration is $20 and includes parking, continental breakfast, and lunch. Download a registration form at www.potomacroundtable.org or www.fairfaxcounty.gov/nvswcd/forumiv.pdf. Call Nick Kokales at the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District at 703.324.1460 or email conservationdistrict@fairfaxcounty.gov.