Virginia’s transportation system – including roads, transit, rails, shipping – is deteriorating and often unable to move commerce and traffic efficiently. Failure to build systems identified as necessary more than 40 years ago and failure to enact any major transportation initiative in more than 20 years has resulted in neglected and gridlocked transportation systems that endanger the economic vitality of the greater Northern Virginia region that includes Prince William.
In April 2007, the General Assembly approved a transportation package -- HB 3202 -- that begins to address our transportation crisis. It is a major funding initiative that resulted because of the legislative leadership of several members of the Prince William delegation and compromise. However, a large gap remains.
The 2030 Plan shows that Northern Virginia needs $1 billion per year to bring our current infrastructure to the level that it can handle our current transportation needs and then meet the increased needs that will be created over the next 20 years. The Transportation Package provides $125 to $150 million per year from the state to Northern Virginia and allows the region to raise funds that will equal as much as $445 million annually.
Regional funds may be raised in two ways. The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority voted on July 12 to activate regional funding mechanisms to raise approximately $300 million annually. HB 3202 also allows another $100 million to be raised by and spent in local Northern Virginia jurisdictions, including Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, if they choose to do so.
The regional funding package places a heavy burden on business. It authorizes the collection of a number of fees, many of which will be borne by business. Businesses and concerned citizens will be vigilant to ensure discretion is exercised in selecting and implementing the local jurisdiction transportation funding options provided them by the state.
