Washington Business Journal

July 21, 2008

Kaine Should End Road Impasse

Miles from downtown Washington, the “Dulles Loop” is growing rapidly, driven by the 900-pound giant in eastern Loudoun County: Dulles International Airport. The Dulles Loop itself comprises stretches of Route 28, Route 606, the Loudoun County Parkway, and Route 50 that literally loop around the airport. Development in one section of the loop — the Route 606 corridor — is in its nascent stage. While airport flyovers make it unsuitable for residential development, its industrial zoning makes it the perfect location for commercial, industrial and flex uses.

In this era of rapidly escalating fuel prices, creating jobs in the southern and western portions of the Dulles Loop makes more sense than ever. While many area workers are switching to public transportation and seeking homes near Metro stations, others will be relieved at the chance to reduce their commuting time and cost by finding jobs near the suburban communities where they already live.

Now that the Loudoun County government has laid the foundation for carefully planned development to the west and south, the airport is poised to have an even greater impact on the region’s economy. The further potential impact of rail on this area — which only a decade ago was almost totally rural — is almost beyond imagination.

This potential can only be realized with public support — local, state and regional — for road improvements, transit and other vital infrastructure. Yet the Virginia General Assembly has completed another special session on transportation without taking any action whatsoever, jeopardizing the future of Metrorail and the state’s ability to tap into $1.5 billion in federal subsidies.Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine should call for more special sessions until there is an acceptable solution or appoint a group of representatives to draft a plan for consideration in a September special session. It would be irresponsible to postpone action until January 2009 or beyond.

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