Spend More vs. Save More

Some believe it’s important to save as much money as possible for really important things in life such as a home, their kids’ education and retirement. Others spend money as fast as it comes in figuring money for such things will materialize somehow. (It generally does not.)

A similar dichotomy of thinking and acting is materializing on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority where some members are arguing in favor of saving and banking more regional funding dollars for projects of greatest regional significance such as upgrading I-66, while others argue for spending virtually every dollar as it comes in (on projects that fall far short of the “regional significance” mark).

Some observers believe that the push to spend as much and save as little as possible is motivated by a desire to make certain that sufficient regional funds never exist for major highway improvements that would most relieve our region’s congestion. That may or may not be the case.
However, one thing is certain: Spending virtually every dime as it comes in, rather than saving more for tomorrow, will ensure that the region will never have the resources necessary to build the highway and transit projects it most needs.

Saving More Regional Funds for Investments that Matter Most is Smart Transportation Policy