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Repairing Virginia
Civil engineers point to Virginia's infrastructure problem areas.
Date published: 10/27/2009
A WISE PERSON once said that if you go to a surgeon about an ailment, he'll probably suggest surgery. Maybe there's a little of that in a report on the state of Virginia's infrastructure produced by the American Society of Civil Engineers, whose members would no doubt be called upon to help provide a solution. Nevertheless, the society's point--to inform Virginians about the condition of things that are generally taken for granted--is well taken. In the society's view, Virginians should be aware that in overall terms, their transportation systems, dams, drinking water plants, and wastewater facilities merit a D+, or barely passing grade. Given that the economic downturn has stretched funding to the limit, this is worthwhile information when it comes to setting priorities. The engineers' top three infrastructure concerns are roads, bridges, and mass transit. This would not be described as surprising. Transportation has been the hot-button issue in Virginia for years, in good economic times and bad. In the upcoming gubernatorial election, the candidates have tried to explain how they intend to do more with less, but voters are no doubt wary after hearing time and again that the transportation fund turnip has been squeezed dry. Nevertheless, the next governor will be expected to work with legislators to target the state's key problem areas. As traffic congestion whittles away at Virginia's business-friendly reputation, commerce joins a list that already includes inconvenience and safety as reasons to get busy on roads (D-) and bridges (C). One way to limit user impact on the roads is to foster greater use of rail and public transit, a segment of infrastructure which rates a C- in the engineers' report. The society finds that mass transit ridership rose in Virginia by 20 percent between 2002 and 2006, compared to a national rate of only 4 percent. That's good, but is Virginia prepared to satisfy the rising demand with a sustainable funding source? Stormwater and wastewater go hand-in-hand as Chesapeake Bay polluters, and the promise of new federal funding to help may help raise the society's assigned grade of D+ on both. But the work must actually be done--and show results. The engineers give their highest Virginia grade, a B-, to the state's parks and recreation facilities. But these sites don't take care of themselves, and their increasing popularity points to the need for maintenance and additional space. Virginians have a right to be proud of the quality of life they enjoy. An election is a good time to weigh in on who they believe will make sure it stays that way.
Date published: 10/27/2009
Where is the money?
(posted by
mz
, Oct. 27, 2009 6:19 pm)
Great article, factual and to the point.It is obivous that we have a lot to do to maintain Virginia's position in the nation. Unfortunately, we don't like to pay taxes. Maybe next time you can point to a source of funds so we can get some one else to pay for our stuff.
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