[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 162 (Tuesday, November 16, 1999)]
[House]
[Page H11974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            UNPLANNED GROWTH, THIS PROBLEM MUST BE ADDRESSED

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, on the front page of newspapers across 
America today there is another sad episode, this time in Alabama, of 
reckless behavior on the road, talking about road rage where a woman 
killed another after a traffic confrontation.
  The story in this morning's Post is replete with examples of how 
their lives were stressed as a result of unplanned growth, congestion, 
traffic and sprawl in their community. Last week, I discussed at some 
length on the floor of this Chamber the very real health implications 
of unplanned growth across America.
  Before Congress adjourns, I think it is important for us to reflect 
on the fact that how we plan and build our community makes a huge 
difference, and I think it important for us to reflect on it here in 
the Washington, D.C. capital area.
  While I personally welcome the attention that has been received by 
the District of Columbia in activities recently for the District, it is 
not enough for us to focus on livability just as it relates to 
Washington, D.C. We need to be thinking broadly about the health and 
livability of the entire 17-government region in metropolitan 
Washington, D.C. We cannot separate the health of our region from 
larger issues.
  Citizens throughout this region, as I meet with them, are asking 
themselves the right questions. Is it not possible for people in our 
Nation's capital to think more comprehensively about land use and 
transportation and put those pieces together in a thoughtful way? Is it 
possible to avoid the obvious disconnect between massive infrastructure 
investments and access, like we have seen the marvelous front page 
stories and pictures where the Redskins stadium has inspired massive 
gridlock, traffic congestion and frustration? People are asking whether 
or not the Federal Government cannot be leading by example here in 
metropolitan areas, using the resources and presence of the Federal 
Government to make a difference?
  People are asking, is it not possible in the metropolitan capital 
region for us to take a tiny percentage of the revenues that are 
generated from new development and growth to help solve regional 
problems on a regional basis?
  Why do we not, in this region, recognize that unbalanced growth, when 
high activity on the western end and the decline in the eastern portion 
of the region has huge negative implications for both areas?
  There is a marvelous document that has been prepared by the Brookings 
Institution Center for Urban and Metropolitan Policy called A Region 
Divided, a Study of Growth in Greater Washington, D.C. It documents the 
great strengths that we have in the capital region, the wealth, the 
booming economy, the affordable housing, the brain power, and the 
unifying forces that we have with the Federal Government, the media, 
the historical context, but we are currently a region divided, as 
documented by this report.
  I hope that as we in Congress begin a new year, that every Member in 
the House and Senate, as they review their agenda to make America 
better, will review this report and reflect on ways that we can help 
make our capital region one of America's most livable communities where 
our families are safe, healthy and economically secure.

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