Millions for Asphalt

But this time, millions for Metro, too. Given the traffic density in the Beltway area, any sensible transportation spending plan has to include expanded public transit, not just more highway lanes.

Duncan Seeks Funds for Transit, Roads

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (D) said yesterday that he would seek a substantial boost in transportation spending, including a 21 percent increase for mass transit.

Under the proposal, the county's transit budget would rise from $86.8 million this year to $105.2 million next year. Duncan will include the increase in his fiscal 2007 operating budget, which he plans to introduce to the County Council next week.

[snip]

Transportation and the pace of growth have emerged as hot topics in many state and local races this year. Yesterday, Duncan, who is seeking his party's nomination for governor, appealed to suburban voters by tackling the everyday frustration of sitting in a car, sometimes for hours each day. He said mass transit is a key solution and reiterated his support for Metro's Purple Line -- a proposed extension that would connect communities near the Capital Beltway in Montgomery and Prince George's.

"When Metro was designed, the job center was the District of Columbia. People lived in the suburbs and went to work in the District," he said. "That has changed dramatically over the last 40 years. We've got to connect not just Bethesda, Silver Spring. We've got to connect into Prince George's and into Tysons and all the way around. Ultimately we need a subway Beltway."

Amen. Can I get a witness?

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