March 24, 2000, Arlington, Virginia -- Transportation issues and the proposed widening of Interstate 66 inside the Beltway continue to be the focus of attention for local residents and commuters throughout Northern Virginia. A post-session review of the transportation bill recently passed by the Virginia legislature and an update on regional transportation initiatives will be provided by Delegate Bob Brink and County Board Member Chris Zimmerman at the April 6 meeting of the Arlington Coalition for Sensible Transportation (ACST).

Construction of additional lanes to I-66 would do nothing to solve the traffic congestion that frustrates commuters who must drive though Arlington on a daily basis. Widening runs contrary to the regional planning process and regional environmental objectives. ACST spokesman Jack O'Leary notes that, "spending $120 million dollars on a few miles of highway makes no sense when the region is desperately looking for funding to jump-start the Northern Virginia 2020 Transportation Plan."

The Richmond Times Dispatch, in a March 19 editorial, emphasized that more flexible and creative zoning, smarter use of technology, and otherwise changing traffic behavior patterns are, "far better solutions than mindlessly laying down pavement, the public policy equivalent of a fat man buying a bigger belt." ACST is committed to ensuring that no changes are made to I-66 inside the Beltway unless those changes are part of a comprehensive plan and are made with community consensus.

ACST, organized by Northern Virginia residents in November 1999, continues to play a key role in ensuring that local voices are heard, particularly with respect to the proposed widening of I-66 inside the Beltway. The public is invited to learn what progress has been made on this and other transportation issues and offer suggestions on future activities of ACST at their second meeting on Thursday, April 6.

The meeting will be held in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) first floor Conference Center, located one block from the Ballston Metro Station at 4301 Wilson Boulevard, starting at 7 p.m. Free garage parking is available through the North Taylor Street entrance. The meeting is free and open to the public.

For further information, visit the ACST Web site at www.acstnet.org; contact ACST by e-mail at acst@postmark.net; or contact Miriam Rollin at 703-538-7981.