On September 18th, the CTB voted to proceed with the EIS required to complete the New Facility for the Western Transportation Corridor. This resolution formally ends the Major Investment Study (MIS) on the Western Transportation Corridor (WTC).
For the record, the MIS contained at least two additional options, a No Build option and an Upgrade Existing/New Links option--it is pretty clear that neither of these options were considered. In an article published September 19th in the Prince William Journal, CTB Member James E. Rich (Republican-at large) is quoted as saying "We haven't even properly evaluated other options, like the ´upgraded links,´ and the perception that's out there is that it«s a new facility or nothing." Rich had sought to delay the decision for 30 days so that the alternatives could be considered.
There have been some guesses in the local media and elsewhere as to how long the EIS phase will last and what it will cost, but as nobody can predict the outcome with any precision they are only guesses. Costs of the EIS to the Virginia taxpayers have been quoted as from 3 to 5 million dollars, and time periods up to 10 years. The issue is further clouded by the fact that no definite route goes into the EIS process; the EIS process will be used to determine the route according to VDOT officials. CARD asks how you can assess the impact to the environment unless you know what the environment is?
In keeping with our position to offer the facts to the citizens and to allow them to draw their own conclusions, on this page CARD will offer you the resolution voted by the CTB. Further, as VDOT has emphasized that this is a free, public, and open process, CARD will at times cross link reference material into the resolution. The VDOT resolution text will appear as black, any CARD comment will appear in red, and links to reference material will appear in blue or whatever color your browser has been instructed to display linked text in. To return to this page from any reference link you choose to follow, use the "back" button on your browser. Most of the links contained herein are to existing reference material, and the return links for those pages follow the plan that existed when that material was first posted.
Intersted parties can find the resolution below on the VDOT Plans and Studies site.
Moved by Mr. Newcomb, seconded by Mr. Neale,
WHEREAS, the initial public information/participation meetings were held concerning the Major Investment Study (MIS) for the Western Transportation Corridor (originally called the Western Washington Bypass Study (WTCS)) on June 19, 1995 at the P. B. Smith Elementary School in Warrenton, on June 20, 1995 at the Stonewall Jackson High School in Prince William County; on June 21, 1995 at the Sterling Middle School in the community of Sterling; on June 22, 1995 at the Stafford Senior High School in the community of Falmouth, for the purpose of identifying issues and concerns of community members and stakeholders likely to be affected by the project, and to describe the purpose of the Study, identify the conceptual alternatives, the goals of the Study, and to increase public awareness and to receive citizens« comments with regard to the Study for the Western Transportation Corridor which encompasses portions of Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, and Stafford Counties; State Project R000-966-102, PE-100; R000-96A-101, PE-100; and,
CARD supports "public information and participation." CARD would have liked to see some evidence in the process of any consideration of public information and participation. It is also pretty clear why this is not a "Bypass", but instead a corridor for development.
WHEREAS, in the Western Transportation Corridor Study area by the year 2020, population growth is projected to increase by 114 percent and employment growth is projected to increase by 148 percent compared to 1990 totals; and,
WHEREAS, based on local land use and transportation plans, this population and employment growth will likely lead to increased congestion on primary and local service roads and a need for additional traffic capacity; and
WHEREAS, in the year 2020 north-south travel within northern Virginia is expected to increase by 60 percent compared to 1990, and north-south travel between Loudoun and Prince William Counties is expected to increase by over 200 percent compared to 1990; and,
CARD´s analysis, VDOT´s analysis, and even the Disney analysis never supported the need for this road. There are definite needs for east-west improvements, but not for north-south roads. See CARD´s summary of this analysis.
WHEREAS, the increased growth in population and employment in the Western Transportation Corridor Study area will lead to increased use and demand on services at Washington Dulles International Airport; and,
Rt 28 currently provides north-south access to the airport, why not improve it? East-West access is provided by Rt 50, the Dulles Greenway, and the Dulles Access Rd.
WHEREAS, evaluation of the Western Transportation Corridor Study area found the need for improved north-south linkages for commuters and improved access to the Washington Dulles International Airport, particularly from the south and west; and,
WHEREAS, regional transportation access and options between I-95 in Stafford County and activity centers to the north, particularly Washington Dulles International Airport need to be preserved; and,
WHEREAS, further public information/participation meetings were held on November 27, 1995 at the Stonewall Jackson High School in Prince William County; on November 29, 1995 at the Sterling Middle School in the community of Sterling; on November 30, 1995 at the Holiday Inn North in Stafford County and on December 4, 1995 at the Cedar-Lee Middle School in the community of Bealeton, to update the public on the initial study findings, to display the alternative corridors proposed for more detailed study, and to receive citizen comments regarding the proposed alternative corridors; and,
WHEREAS, public information/participation meetings were then held to present the findings of the Major Investment Study for the Western Transportation Corridor on November 13, 1996 at the Stonewall Jackson High School in Prince William County; on November 14, 1996 at the Stafford Senior High School in Stafford County; on November 20, 1996 at the Liberty High School in Fauquier County; on November 21, 1996 at the Farmwell Station Middle School in Loudoun County, to take oral and written comment from the public concerning the New Facility alternatives, which were compiled into a transcript of these proceedings; and,
WHEREAS, the Western Transportation Corridor Study Policy Advisory Committee met in December 1996, and recommended further consideration of the New Facility, Segments 5, 7, and 9 and elimination from further study of Segments 4, 6, 8 and 10; and,
WHEREAS, the Western Transportation Corridor Study Policy Advisory Committee further recommended additional analysis for an alternative corridor located in the area that borders the United States Marine Corps Base at Quantico and Stafford County; and,
WHEREAS, the alternative corridor located in the area that borders the United States Marine Corps Base at Quantico and Stafford County was presented at a public information/ participation meeting on August 5, 1997 and public comment was taken; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S. Marine Corps has indicated that a "conceptual alignment" developed by VDOT was "not doable as proposed without mitigation", thereby indicating the need to move forward to the development of the Environmental Impact Statement and design phases in which necessary and requested mitigation could be identified; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S. Marine Corps has indicated that their guidelines for an acceptable alignment could be summarized as:
-No net loss for training opportunities at the Marine Corps Base on air or ground;
-No additional cost to the Marine Corps;
-No growth along the WTC that encroaches on the Marine Corps Base and its training mission;
-No increase in Marine Corps Environmental Compliance liability;
-Marine Corps retains ownership of land within its current boundaries;
-Full compliance with all Department of Defense/Department of the Navy policies on environment and land use;
-All non-monetary impacts should be mitigated to the lowest level possible; and,
CARD has posted the Marine Corps summary of their position on an alignment through Quantico
WHEREAS, Fauquier and Stafford Counties have indicated their willingness to amend their County Comprehensive Plans to include a 1,500-foot military impact overlay district along their boundaries with the Quantico Marine Base should that prove of interest to the U.S. Marine Corps as the more detailed study process unfolds; and,
Just what is "a military impact overlay district?"
WHEREAS, by resolution dated September 5, 1997, with a vote of 5 yeas, 1 nay and one abstention the Advisory Committee for the Western Transportation Corridor Study:
Its intersting to note that Linda Musselman, chairwoman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, voted against the project. This certainly does not suggest that Stafford County is strongly supporting the project.
1.Opposed New Facility Segments 1 and 2 in Stafford County and recommended study of a New Facility Segment to identify a connection between I-95 and new Facility Segment 3 at the Prince William/Fauquier County boundary through environmental (EIS) and design processes, with the intent to pursue an alignment in the vicinity (if not wholly within) the perimeter of the Quantico Marine Base in accordance with the processes mentioned; and,
CARD has posted a detailed impact report prepared by the Marine Corps.
2.There be a connection to Segment 3A and the Fauquier/Prince William County boundary, Segments 3,5 and 7 in Prince William County, which essentially follows the power line easement, and Segment 9 within Loudoun county, and for purposes of detailed study, extending Segment 9 north of Route 7 to the Potomac River; and
3.The future study of the New Facility alignment consider the sensitivity to existing development, agricultural lands, historic properties including the Manassas National Battlefield Park and the natural environment; and,
4.The Committee recommends that the New Facility be a limited access parkway-style facility usable by trucks, and that future study determine the right of way, financing options and timing of construction; and,
5.The Commonwealth of Virginia is requested to continue discussions with Maryland state and local officials to include study of a new Potomac River crossing that would connect to the new Facility, Segment 9, in Loudoun County in recognition of the growing needs to provide an alternative to Route 15 for the increasing volume of north-south traffic in general, and in particular for a new river crossing east of Leesburg to serve the growing volume of Maryland and interstate traffic passing through Loudoun County; and,
Maryland has made it pretty clear where they stand on a new bridge.
6.This Committee recommends that U.S. Highway 15 north of Leesburg remain a two-lane highway; and,
Why would the Committee need to make this recommendation if there was any chance of a bridge? Perhaps this goes back to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Resolution that demands that there be a bridge in the study, regardless of Marylands´s position on the subject. See the Loudoun resolution.
7.VDOT is requested to assess local traffic needs in Leesburg associated with Cross Trail Boulevard, River Creek Parkway and their realignment; and,
8.No alignment be located through the historic Balls Bluff National Cemetery and its surrounding park; and,
9.For the purposes of further detailed study in Prince William County; considerable latitude be allowed in Segment 7 near the Manassas National Battlefield Park, and that Segment 7 be expanded further east to include the area of the Route 29 Bypass (Battlefield Bypass) VDOT MIS study, taking into account the impact on historical lands, residential communities west and east of the power line, and the environment; and,
What does this mean...that VDOT can pretty much do what it wants when it gets near the park? An expansion of the study area? What are the bounds? Most of us can´t afford to write blank checks; apparently VDOT can with our dollars.
10.Segment 5 avoid residential areas as much as possible, and act as a buffer between the Linton Hall residential area and the industrial corridor with particular attention to the recommendations of the Prince William County "Western Transportation Corridor Mitigation Committee"; and,
This item is disturbing. The "Western Transportation Corridor Mitigation Committee" is a secret society appointed by Prince William County Supervisors Wilborn and Thompson. It has no status in the county, yet it has received financial backing (in excess of a thousand dollars) from the Board of Supervisors and it has been recognized by the same board. (Reference RES 97-539 and RES 97-705) It has met in secret, and its recommendations are secret. CARD asks what legal basis there is for a secret society to be provided a direct conduit into a supposedly "open and public" process? Is this government of some of the people, for some of the people, and by some of the people? We understand there are 400 homes in the Kingsbrooke subdivision that fall into the power line corridor and have been effectively condemned by the CTB, despite assureances by Prince William County supervisors such as "...fear that the road will go through their subdivision. I will not support a road that goes through subdivisions..". However, the law is still the law, and to call the MIS study a "open and public process" is a sham when this type of provision is inserted.
11.Request that the Commonwealth Transportation Board reconfirm its standing position in support of additional study of an Eastern Bypass around Washington, D.C.; and,
This sure seems hollow.
12.Request to direct VDOT to narrow the corridor through the EIS process and to expedite location efforts as much as possible in recognition of the anxiety neighborhoods may feel as to whether they ultimately will be directly impacted by the New Facility.
When Constitutional guidelines such as the Bill or Rights and the provisions of the Virginia code relative to the taking or "setting aside" of private property for public use are followed, then government agencies do not need to be sensitive to "anxiety" they cause their citizens by their actions. The CTB has effectively taken some 55 square miles of Northern Virginia real estate for this project, which could easily take 10 or more years to resolve. This has a direct impact on at least two brand new subdivisions, Kingsbrooke in Prince William County and Potomac Crossing in Loudoun county. CARD has not counted the homes involved, but the number could easily be in excess of one thousand. If a homeowner were to pass on and leave the home to an heir, there would be an inheritance tax liability and no ability to sell the home for its market value (to pay the tax or anything else)! This is outrageous, and statements to the effect that they are sorry or sensitive to the anxiety they have caused are shallow at best.
WHEREAS, proper notice was given in advance, and all those present were given a full opportunity to express their opinions and recommendations for or against the proposed corridors for the Western Transportation Study, and their statements being duly recorded; and, WHEREAS, the economic, social, and environmental effects of the various corridor areas have been examined and given proper consideration to this level, and this evidence, along with all other, has been carefully reviewed.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board expresses its good faith intent to address all the conditions described by the U.S. Marine Corps related to use of the Quantico Excursion alignment within Segments 3A, Q3 and Q1 to identify a connection between I-95 and new Facility Segment 3 at the Prince William/Fauquier County boundary, through the environmental (EIS) and design processes, with the intent to pursue a location within the Quantico Excursion alignment Segments Q1 and Q3, in Stafford and Fauquier Counties, a connection to Segment 3A at the Fauquier/Prince William County boundary, Segments 3, 5, and 7 in Prince William County, which essentially follows the power line easement, and Segment 9 within Loudoun County, and for purposes of detailed study, extending Segment 9 north of Route 7 to the Potomac River all of which has been recommended by the Western Transportation Corridor Policy Advisory Committee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board directs VDOT to initiate discussions with state and local officials in the State of Maryland to initiate a study of a new river crossing of the Potomac river that would connect to the New facility, Segment 9 in Loudoun county in recognition of the need to provide an alternative to Route 15 to accommodate the growing volume of north-south traffic and of the need to provide for a new river crossing east of Leesburg to serve the growing volume of Maryland and interstate traffic passing through Loudoun County.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board expresses its sentiment that Route 15 should remain a two-lane roadway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that VDOT will assess local traffic needs in Leesburg associated with Cross Trail Boulevard, River Creek Parkway and their realignment and connection to Route 7.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board directs that no alignment be located though the historic Balls Bluff National Cemetery and its surrounding park.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that for the purposes of further detailed location study in Prince William County considerable latitude be allowed in Segment 7 near the Manassas National Battlefield Park and that for the purposes of study, Segment 7 should be expanded further east to include the area of the Route 29 Bypass (Battlefield Bypass) VDOT MIS Study, taking into account the impact on historical lands, residential communities west and east of the power line, and the environment.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Segment 5 avoid residential areas as much as possible, and act as a buffer between the Linton Hall residential area and the industrial corridor.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board reconfirms the Commonwealth of Virginia's standing position in support of study of the development of an eastern bypass around Washington, D.C.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board directs VDOT to expedite location efforts as much as possible in recognition of the anxiety neighborhoods may feel as to whether they ultimately will be directly impacted by the New Facility.
Motion carried; Messrs. Rich and Prettyman voted no.
God bless you Messrs. Rich and Prettyman
Return to the CARD homepage.