Last year the Virginia General Assembly authorized new transportation funding for the first time in 20 years! This funding package placed a heavy burden on business, and relied on non-elected representatives at the local level to raise road and transit funds. Still, many fed up with Northern Virginia’s notorious gridlock accepted the plan as "better than nothing." Recently, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled essential elements of the plan unconstitutional, eliminating major portions of funding. On June 23, the General Assembly goes back to the drawing board and convenes for a special transportation session.
The Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce is communicating with our legislators, sending the message that they MUST get it right this time.
The strength of our economy, profitability of our businesses and quality of life are all at stake.
Projects That Won’t Happen Without Action
Prince William won't get these lost transportation projects without the funding authorized last year, unless our legislators act.
Road Maintenance Costs Now Sapping Dollars for New Roads
While our need for new transportation infrastructure continues to grow, so do the maintenance costs for keeping existing roads safe. With construction costs spiraling, a growing portion of existing transportation dollars are earmarked for maintenance, further reducing available funding for road building and transit development. We still have not built many roads that planning engineers called for 40 years ago! If the dollars available for new construction fall too much further, Virginia could soon lose federal matching funds for new construction!
Our Legislators Must Solve the Transportation “Mess”
The Region’s Chamber believes our legislators must end their own gridlock and solve the current transportation “mess.” They were elected to provide leadership, and it is their responsibility to ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to keep goods and citizens moving—a vital element of a strong economy.
The citizens of Virginia need our elected representatives to work together for the greater good. Debate alone is not sufficient – legislators must put aside political differences and achieve results.
The Chamber opposes new taxes in principle and spirit, and first urges legislators to re-direct existing revenues towards transportation, making it a general fund priority. However, the failure of the General Assembly to pass a viable transportation funding package in the last 20 years forces the Chamber to consider new funding sources as well.
What Businesses Say
In a recent survey of Chamber members, the majority of respondents expressed frustration with the current transportation situation, saying it has a negative impact on their businesses. Many oppose the creation of new taxes and believe that transportation funding must be a core priority of the state budget. Others expressed a willingness to accept new fees if they are directly allocated to transportation.
Contact Your Legislators
Businesses — you told the Chamber what you think about transportation, now let your legislator know. Email your legislators to urge action and critical transportation infrastructure for Prince William.
