Road Duties A Sticking Point for Localities

Right now, the Virginia Department of Transportation is responsible for planning, design, construction and maintenance of most secondary roads. Under the bill, the state would continue to pay for new secondary roads, but counties would take over planning and construction. For the fiscal year beginning July 1, about $18 million in state money is available for new roads in Fairfax.

But county officials are concerned about a projected decline in available state money, driven by a drop in gasoline tax revenue and the increasing use of construction funds for maintenance of existing roads. In 2004, the county received $29 million in state road funds. By 2012, the projected state contribution will be $9.5 million. Officials say the bill as written could leave the county with increased responsibilities and a dwindling state contribution.

Exactly how much the bill's mandates would cost is still being calculated by county officials. Connolly said it could cost more than the actual value of the transportation package.

While the county is almost fully developed, the costs of redevelopment and revitalization will also be considerable. But Del. David B. Albo (R-Fairfax) said local governments have long requested more control over their local roads. "I think they don't understand the issue yet," he said.

Connolly said the bill was the beginning of a larger strategy of "devolution" pursued by Republican lawmakers interested in ending state responsibility for secondary roads entirely.

Republicans are hitting back. The GOP television ad accuses Kaine of breaking a campaign promise not to seek higher taxes to pay for transportation.

"Another day, another traffic jam!" the ad begins, with a man speaking.

"When will someone do something about Virginia's outdated, overcrowded roads?" a woman replies.

"Someone has," says the man. "The General Assembly plan? Bond money for new roads. Penalties on abusive drivers. Regional solutions. Dedicating our multimillion-dollar surplus to transportation. All without a statewide tax increase. But Tim Kaine is criticizing it, even though he promised not to raise taxes. Call Governor Kaine. Tell him: 'Start solving problems. Stop playing politics.' "

State GOP Chairman Ed Gillespie said: "Through no effort of his own, Governor Kaine now has the transportation plan he promised in 2005. Now isn't the time for listening tours, obstruction or sharp partisanship from the governor. Kaine owes it to Virginians to sign this bill."

C. Richard Cranwell, chairman of the state Democrats, responded: "This is the same Ed Gillespie that used to be in Washington [as national GOP chairman]. The problem is, he can't forget the tricks he learned in Washington and wants to bring them to Virginia. Attacking the governor with a television ad -- it almost borders on being juvenile."

To make his case, Kaine is vowing to have "a very public discussion" with state residents about how they prefer to pay to build more roads and mass transit.

Yesterday he began a five-day series of events designed to highlight his budget priorities, such as boosting funding for health care and enrolling more 4-year-olds in pre-kindergarten programs.

Republicans will counter, Gillespie said, by sending party activists to hold simultaneous events in the towns that Kaine visits. House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) has scheduled a news conference tomorrow in Richmond to rebut the governor's arguments. Later in the day, he will make his pitch to the Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce.