THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 28, 1996 TAG: 9607260026
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: 29 lines
Governor Allen's (and secretary of natural resources Dunlop's) personal hostility toward the EPA should wave a red flag to all Virginians (``Allen administration blocks seven sites from Superfund list,'' news, July 15). Failure to include these sites will adversely impact clean-up funding and timetables. Thus, it will prolong and exacerbate the environmental and health hazards in the site areas.
Since the funds are collected and dispensed on a pro-rata basis, in effect Virginia is being denied its own funds. Why should others benefit at our expense, in both dollars and health hazards?
Allen's personal battle with the federal government goes even beyond the EPA. GOALS 2000 funds were refused, presuming federal intervention. Again we were denied a just share of funds for urgent education needs. Who's the loser? Every Virginian, especially our young people who need more education to compete in today's world.
I shudder to think what's next. Federal Impact Aid to Education for military families stationed in Virginia? Highway funding? Medical and health benefits?
It's time to set aside personal discord and replace it by putting Virginia's interest as a first priority. We deserve nothing less!
CHARLES TRAUB III
Virginia Beach, July 16, 1996 by CNB