Posts by Steve Kattula — Guest Contributor
-
Corporate welfare and the Beltway HOT lanes, part 3: Don’t worry until it’s too late
Virginia’s contract for the Beltway HOT lanes are not just far from free to taxpayers and even worse if people carpool. The structure of the deal ultimately minimizes public outrage until it’s too late, saddling taxpayers with a high bill and no voice. The contract gives Fluor/Transurban a “first right” monopolization on expansion of the Beltway… Keep reading…
-
Corporate welfare and the Beltway HOT lanes, part 2: You better not carpool (too much)
Most press coverage of the Beltway HOT lanes has either touted the lanes or noted the high planned toll rates, up to $1 per mile. Project proponents counter the toll outrage by pointing out that commuters can carpool on the lanes for “free.” The correct term, however, should be taxpayer subsidized. The state have to pay Fluor-Transurban for each carpooling vehicle if… Keep reading…
-
Corporate welfare and the Beltway HOT lanes, part 1: No free lunch
Beware of Australians bearing gifts, at least if those gifts are massive highway widening projects. Keep reading…
-
Merrifield: Fairfax’s first try at TOD
The proposed redevelopment (or reinvention) of Tysons Corner, the Silver Line, and Fairfax County’s accompanying rezoning have gotten a lot of attention. But just to the south of that currently nightmarish crossroads is the county’s first stab at transforming an office park and auto-dependent suburb into human-scale mixed use and transit oriented development. Keep reading…