Monday, March 19, 2007

The Faustian bargain for Exit 14

The Bristol paper notes correctly that it is a mistake for the Commonwealth to make transportation decisions based on "free" money, in connection with the proposed bargain of a new Exit 14 in return for VDOT's approval of access for a new superstore.

The same is true whether it is free money for truck lanes the length of Interstate 81, or an above-ground Metrorail extension to Tyson's Corner, or a new and improved Exit 14 to allow access to another Walmart. The highest priority should not be the maximization of private or federal funding.

Of course, if Exit 14 had been done right in the first place, it would not be an issue now.

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