By Shelby Mertens
Capital News Service
RICHMOND – Gov. Bob McDonnell’s transportation budget would provide millions of dollars for road and rail projects along Interstate 64 from Newport News to Richmond to ease traffic congestion.
According to McDonnell’s office, his transportation budget would allocate $64 million for reconstructive paving and $85 million for capacity improvements on I-64. Capacity improvements would widen the lanes so cars have more room to travel.
McDonnell’s transportation plan, dubbed “Virginia’s Road to the Future,” would invest a total of $3.1 billion into the state’s transportation network over the next five years. About $1 billion would go toward more than 150 rail and transit projects.
York County would get about $64,000 to improve secondary roads. About $35 million would go toward the crossover of I-64 and I-95 to fix overlap issues near Richmond.
McDonnell wants to fund his plan by eliminating the 17.5-cents-per-gallon gasoline tax and increasing the sales tax from 5 percent to 5.8 percent.
I-64 is notorious for its heavy traffic and bumpy roads. The congestion problems between Newport News and Richmond have long been a priority for lawmakers, but it has been on the back burner for many years. McDonnell is using his last year in office to shape his legacy around championing the major transportation issues of the state.
“I think when you improve transportation, it’s good for everybody,” said Tamara Rollinson, director of communications forVirginia Department of Transportation. “It’s good for business, tourism, jobs and for the well-being and health of the state.”
Rollinson said McDonnell’s transportation budget would have a tremendous impact on the Newport News, Williamsburg and Richmond areas because traffic volumes have grown substantially over the years.
“Traffic takes up time, gas, preparations, and it tampers with Virginia’s ability to attract visitors,” Rollinson said.
Traffic and congestion can affect visitors’ desire to return. If Virginia’s roads become more travel-friendly, Rollinson believes tourism may increase.
Richard Schreiber, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance, agreed.
“Tourists who are driving here expect the trip from Washington to take two hours, but if it takes three to four hours – which is not unheard of – it makes the trip unpleasant and undesirable,” Schreiber said. “If you confront that in both directions, you’re less likely to come back that destination again.”
Schreiber said McDonnell’s transportation plan is a good start, but he believes more needs to be done. He said he would like to see two additional lanes built on both sides.
Schreiber said easing congestion will offer tourists in Virginia a more pleasurable travel experience.
McDonnell’s plan to funding his transportation budget is reflected in Senate Bill 1355, which is sponsored by three Republican senators – Stephen Newman of Forest, Richard Stuart of Montross and Jeffrey McWaters of Virginia Beach.
On Wednesday, the Senate Transportation Committee voted 8-6 in favor of SB 1355. The eight Republicans on the committee voted for the bill; the six Democrats voted against it.
SB 1355 now goes to the Senate Finance Committee for another vote.
“A world-class transportation system is vital to both economic opportunity and to the quality of life of every Virginian,” McDonnell, a Republican, said in a press release. “It is imperative that we act now to ensure that Virginia continues to lead the way as a top place to live, work and raise a family.”
On the Web
The complete list of highway projects proposed by Gov. Bob McDonnell can be found at:
http://tinyurl.com/mcdonnell-highways
The complete list of proposed transit and rail projects is available at:
http://tinyurl.com/mcdonnell-rail
Here is the full text of the governor’s transportation funding plan
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=1588
To track or comment on Senate Bill 1355, visit the Richmond Sunlight website:
http://www.richmondsunlight.com/bill/2013/sb1355/
How They Voted
Here is how the Senate Transportation Committee voted Wednesday on “SB 1355 Revenues and appropriations of State; changes to revenues collected and distribution.” The committee voted 8-6 to approve the bill.
YEAS – Newman, Watkins, Wagner, Blevins, McDougle, Smith, McWaters, Carrico – 8.
NAYS – Marsh, Puckett, Deeds, Marsden, Colgan, Favola – 6.