From taxes to projects ...

One in an occasional series.

Congressman Virgil H. Goode Jr., R-Rocky Mount, was well-known for bringing federal dollars to his district for development projects.

From the other side of the aisle, his successor, Congressman Tom Perriello, D-Ivy, seems to be following in that tradition, while putting his own stamp on the process.

It would seem that the rookie congressman has a good chance of success in his quest to bring $151.2 million to the 5th District.

The Obama administration budget is moving rapidly through Congress. The budget includes funding for exactly the kinds of projects that Mr. Perriello has proposed.

This newspaper takes exception to many of the policy changes that would be implemented by that budget. We also have criticized Washington’s earmark process as wasteful, even at times corrupt (more on this issue in subsequent editorials).

But we have also welcomed the benefits of federal spending when the projects are legitimately needed and the process is fair. Funding earmarked by former Sen. John W. Warner for the Meadowcreek Parkway is just one example of this category.

Many of the projects proposed for funding by Mr. Perriello include those already endorsed by the local community as needed.

They include $10 million for construction of a new water treatment plant in Buckingham County, $10 million for a new water pipeline to serve the Zion Crossroads area and $1.5 million to extend a runway at the Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport to permit expansion of commercial air service.

Also included is $3 million for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Charlottesville for redevelopment of two mobile home parks to create mixed-income communities that could offer and sustain affordable housing.

These projects, and others, clearly would advance local economic development and quality of life.

Mr. Perriello appears to be using the earmark process to good effect.