Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In
Streetsblog.net

Is Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell Pulling a Scott Walker?

Just yesterday Virginia was receiving accolades for its successful, bipartisan rail expansion efforts. But the praise is giving way to criticism today.

false

There are some weird politics going on in the commonwealth, which appear to be part of a grudge match between Republican Governor Bob McDonnell and public officials in transit-friendly northern Virginia.

David Alpert at Greater Greater Washington reports that McDonnell has suddenly decided to overhaul the way transportation funding is distributed across the state. Rather than channeling some funds through the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, McDonnell has proposed that local municipalities become direct recipients. That could be a big headache for communities in Northern Virginia, and it appears that was the point, reports Alpert:

This is very disruptive, Northern Virginia leaders say, not least because they already approved their budgets for next year and none of this is part of their budgets. They might need to pay for extra staff to handle the paperwork involved, approve agreements to hand the money back to NVTC, and more, all at the last minute.

There is a lot of paperwork, auditing, and other administrative hassle involved in receiving state and federal money and giving money to WMATA and other transit agencies. Northern Virginia jurisdictions say that having NVTC handle all of this saves them a lot of time and money, especially for the very small cities like Falls Church and City of Fairfax.

Why is [the state Department of Rail and Public Transportation] doing this? DRPT officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but according to the Fairfax County Board meeting's staff memo (page 253), "Director Drake noted that this was being done to ensure that each local government and agency understands how much money it is receiving from DRPT."

This certainly makes the move sound like retaliation for the way Northern Virginia pushed back against the McDonnell administration's efforts to take more power over WMATA for itself and away from the local cities and counties.

After the way McDonnell played chicken with the Silver Line Metro extension, Alpert wonders if he hasn't taken a page from transit antagonists Chris Christie and Scott Walker.

Elsewhere on the Network today: The Minus Car Project questions the wisdom of laws that forbid cyclists from riding two abreast. This Big City outlines the colorful way in which citizens of Bogota are taking back their streets. And Urban Indy offers its support for recently introduced complete streets legislation in Indianapolis.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Friday Video: Welcome to the ‘War on Cars’

Here's a pithy, witty, concise synopsis of why cars suck from the makers of America's best-loved podcast.

September 13, 2024

Friday’s Headlines Debate the Debate

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump got one measly question related to climate change during the debate, and Slate wasn't impressed by either's answer. Learn more in today's headlines.

September 13, 2024

The Car Stole Our ‘Bliss’ 125 Years Ago Today

The automobile got its first taste of blood 125 years ago tomorrow — and it's never been able to kick the habit.

September 13, 2024

What Happens to E-Bikes and E-Scooters In NYC? They’re Fish Food

A green group has pulled 410 scooters and e-bikes out of the Bronx River since July 2023. What the hell?!

September 13, 2024

Transit App Now Provides Safety-First Bike Directions

A commuter train, subway and bus app is launching an update to allow users to prioritize safe bike routes.

September 12, 2024
See all posts