Our traffic is frustrating, but having the same narrow debate about how much more to spend on transportation and where to find it is also frustrating. We need to question the project wish lists of VDOT and local officials, address underlying causes for traffic, and apply creative, energy-efficient solutions.

Unrestricted wish lists gave us the "VTRANS 2025" long-range plan from VDOT, proposing $203 billion in spending over 20 years, about $108 billion more than projected revenues. Without bonding, that equates to $5.4 billion per year over and above the $3 billion to $4 billion we spend today. That's completely unaffordable, if not ridiculous. A business owner would tell employees to go back to the drawing board to find a less expensive and more effective solution.

Leading members of the General Assembly have balked at having to pay to chase sprawl--scattered and leapfrog development--with more road money. They recognize that unsustainable patterns of land development are at the core of Virginia's traffic problems. The number of miles driven by Virginians has increased at three times the rate of population growth. The amount of land converted to development has increased 41 percent while population increased 8 percent. We are spreading out, and this creates more traffic. Any new spending must be tied to better land use and community designs that reduce distances and number of trips we take.

TAKING ACTION

Both the General Assembly and Gov. Kaine have taken action in key areas. They approved requirements for traffic impact studies for major new development and strengthened access management restrictions to ensure that perfectly good state highways are not turned into strip-mall traffic nightmares. New subdivision street standards will narrow neighborhood streets and increase connections, making streets safer for children and adults. Requirements for designated growth areas will reduce the cost of roads, water, sewer, school busing, police and fire facilities. Increased funding for transit, passenger, and freight rail will help meet booming transit demand.