Technically, it’s not for parkway

The April 30 Daily Progress editorial (“From taxes to projects ...”) stated: “Funding earmarked by former Sen. John Warner for the Meadowcreek Parkway is just one example of this category [of legitimately needed earmarks].”

In July 28, 2005, The Daily Progress published an article headlined “Warner secures parkway funds.” The article explained that “Warner was careful at the time to not to promise any funding for the parkway project.”

The money was for an interchange serving the parkway and U.S. 250 and not the parkway itself.

Why? The federal government frowns on building roads through parks. Roads are rarely allowed by federal dollars, many studies including environmental impact are required, and “needs and purpose” must be clearly justified.

His staff probably advised Sen. Warner that an interchange is not a road in the park and his earmark must be clearly designated as such. Therefore, it is labeled the “U.S. 250 interchange” and not the Meadowcreek Parkway interchange.

Funny thing, though — and I wonder if Sen. Warner knows — that a 750-foot ramp will extend from the U.S. 250 interchange into McIntire Park. If the ramp is not built, the Meadowcreek Parkway would truly be a road to nowhere and would literally end in the middle of east McIntire Park.

I would prefer not to see this industrial-sized interchange built. However, the U.S. 250 interchange could technically be built, even if the Meadowcreek Parkway were never finished.

Colette Hall
Charlottesville