The Transportation Debate
Del. Leo C. Wardrup Jr. (R-Virginia Beach) joins in the transportation discussion. In areas such as his, congestion has greatly worsened.
(By Steve Helber -- Associated Press)
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Who's Blogging  |
Virginia's government is embroiled in a debate over how to improve the state's transportation network.
The Problem
In the more-developed parts of the state, such as Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, traffic congestion has rapidly worsened. Many commuters say it is changing their lives. Politicians saw that frustration as an important factor in last year's state elections.
The Ideas
Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) and the Republican-controlled General Assembly are discussing proposals to better coordinate development projects and transportation services while spending more money to build roads and improve transit. They disagree about the extent of the problem, who should pay to solve it and how much money is needed.
Key Differences
Kaine and many senators see traffic congestion as a crisis for Virginia, particularly in the highly developed areas. They want to raise about $1 billion a year, largely through new taxes and fees. House Republican leaders say that a big infusion of money is unnecessary and that the problem can be dealt with through borrowing and through spending some of the state's surplus.
What's Next
The House and Senate will try to resolve their differences by the scheduled end of the legislative session, March 11, and give Kaine a plan to review.
