VRE board asks state for money

Dick Peacock
Published: April 4, 2008

The VRE board made the right decision to ask the state for money since the state Supreme Court invalidated the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) tax plan for Northern Virginia.

The Virginia Railway Express would have received $25 million this year if the court had ruled in favor of the plan.

The funds would have provided money for new engines that the railroad desperately needs. 

VRE’s old engines are frequently breaking down.

Only heroic maintenance efforts are keeping these engines moving.

VRE deserves more financial support from the state.

It provides an energy-efficient, safe, low-cost and reliable way to get to work that outperforms Interstates 66 and 95.

VRE strengthens our community in many ways. It is pro-child because parents who ride it can spend more time promoting values to their children.

It is pro-life because there have been no serious injuries or fatalities for 15 and a half years. It is pro-national security because many members of the military use it.

It is pro-job because it encourages employers to stay here. It is pro-public safety because it carries police, fire and hospital workers to their job sites. 

All VRE riders should contact the governor and their state delegates and senators and urge them to act now!

DICK PEACOCK

Manassas