Gov. McDonnell Announces Passage of Transportation Legislation
January 31, 2011
Jan. 31-RICHMOND—Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement late this afternoon following passage by the Virginia House of Delegates Appropriations Committee
Statement of Governor Bob McDonnell on Comprehensive Transportation Bill Passing House Appropriations Committee
RICHMOND—Governor Bob McDonnell issued the following statement late this afternoon following passage by the Virginia House of Delegates Appropriations Committee of transportation legislation carrying forward the major initiatives from his Omnibus Transportation Funding Bill. The Governor’s proposal will inject $4 billion into Virginia’s transportation system over the next three years.
“I am pleased that the House Appropriations Committee has voted to support our initiative to provide the most significant new funding for transportation in the Commonwealth in a generation. This bipartisan effort will result in funds to accelerate more than 900 projects statewide. These projects will provide needed congestion relief and spur economic development all across Virginia.
In moving our proposals forward, the House Appropriations Committee, and its Transportation Subcommittee, have included some wise adjustments enhancing our original proposals while supporting the innovative transportation funding solutions we have put forward to help get our citizens out of gridlock without raising taxes.
By expediting responsible, pre-approved bonding authority to get projects built now while interest rates and construction bids are at record lows, and through the innovative Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Bank to make it easier for localities and the private sector to invest their money in transportation improvements, Virginia will quickly put shovels in the ground to improve the commutes of all drivers and to bring more jobs to the Commonwealth.
I appreciate the support of our legislators in making these important decisions to fund our transportation needs. We look forward to working with all legislators to pass this transportation legislation and get roads, bridges and mass transit projects under way immediately.�
