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TextNeighborhood Roads May Need Local Fix
From unfilled potholes to uncut grass, state government is not
adequately addressing even our most basic transportation needs. And as
the state’s ability to fund transportation continues to decline, the
outlook for Fairfax will remain bleak unless we adapt to the current
reality.
Fixing potholes is a quintessential local government function, except in
Virginia, where the state, not the county, owns, constructs and maintains
secondary (non-interstate) roads. The potholes the state did fill,
received a temporary fix. The only permanent solution for potholes is
repaving, and VDOT has announced it will do no repaving on secondary
roads this year, and probably none next year as well. And now the grass
is growing. Just like with potholes, while some is cut, much is not and
VDOT has announced it is reducing service here as well. Braddock Road
will receive the same three mowings this year as last - though until
recently it was mowed six times a year. Guinea, Ravensworth, Olley and
other less traveled roads will receive only two. This is
unacceptable.
Unfortunately, there is more. At its May 25th meeting, our Board
“approved” (we didn’t want to) VDOT’s six-year secondary construction
plan for fiscal years 2011 through 2016. This is the standard planning
document we approve every year. In it, you will find that the state is
effectively zeroing out funding for secondary (non-interstate) road
construction. Just $1,989 will be available for the next six years. This
is a $1,441,772 decrease, or a decrease of 99 percent from last year’s
plan, which was a dramatic deviation from historical norms. Up until two
years ago, Fairfax averaged $20 to $25 million a year for secondary road
construction.
“Construction” funding doesn’t just mean new roads. It also includes
items like traffic signals, left or right turn lanes, additional travel
lanes, etc. By zeroing out funding, the state is saying Fairfax will not
see any more traffic lights unless part of a federally-funded project, an
interstate project such as the HOT lanes or paid for by the county. Also
gone are funds to implement traffic calming measures in our
neighborhoods.
State transportation funding is a complicated formula-driven and
political issue, where the “Northern Virginia – rest of Virginia” divide
really hurts us. Our state delegation has tried hard to address it. Even
if we can get some funding headed this way, it’s going to go to the large
transportation projects in major corridors.
That’s why I believe we need to have a robust discussion as to whether
Fairfax County should play a larger role in transportation – maybe even
negotiate with the state to take over responsibility for secondary roads
in exchange for a state payment. It is a complex idea, one with positives
and negatives, but one that needs to be fleshed out. Any plan would
likely mean more local funding, but it would also mean cut grass, plowed
snow, filled potholes and more road improvements.
I’d like to hear from you on this matter. What do you think of the
county taking a more active role in transportation? If we did, where
should our efforts be concentrated? Please email me at braddock
@fairfaxcounty.gov with your opinions, I look forward to reading them.
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