Home Builders Association of Virginia and Virginia Regional Transit Announce Support for Governor McDonnell’s Transportation Plan
RICHMOND – January 16, 2012 – (RealEstateRama) — The Home Builders Association of Virginia and Virginia Regional Transit have endorsed “Virginia’s Road to the Future”, the comprehensive, long-term transportation funding plan proposed by Governor Bob McDonnell. The Home Builders Association of Virginia and Virginia Regional Transit join a growing list of top business, labor, and transportation groups who have added their support to the governor’s transportation solution.
Home Builders Association of Virginia
“Transportation is a quality of life issue for all residents of the Commonwealth, drivers and non-drivers alike. Investing in transportation is investing in the Commonwealth’s future. A strong system of transportation means that people will want to settle here, raise their families and start businesses in the Commonwealth. Transportation is tied to the creation of jobs, the building of neighborhoods, the safety of our citizens, as well as the ability to travel conveniently and safely. Governor McDonnell’s transportation funding plan has the full support of the Home Builders Association of Virginia and we look forward to working with the governor to get this important legislation enacted.” – Officer Michael Toalson, Chief Executive Officer, Home Builders Association of Virginia, which represents more than 4,300 member organizations
Virginia Regional Transit
“Virginia Regional Transit is excited regarding the Governors proposed plan to provide sustained funding for the transportation needs in the Commonwealth. The agency supports the Governors forward thinking vision and support for public transportation as one component to improve the quality of life for all of Virginia. The proposal will result in lower gas prices for the citizens and support transportation investment while keeping Virginia sales tax below neighboring communities. This is the most creative sustainable proposal we have seen to address our transportation problems. This plan appears to promote investment, improve our infrastructure and service, and spur economic development. – Mark McGregor, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Regional Transit
These two groups join numerous groups that have already announced their support for the governor’s plan. They are:
- American Concrete Paving Association – Mid-Atlantic Chapter
- Associated General Contractors of Virginia
- Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of Teamsters
- Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
- CSX Transportation, Inc.
- Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
- Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
- Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
- Hampton Roads Utility and Heavy Contractors Association
- Heavy Construction Contractors Association
- Old Dominion Highway Contractors Association
- Norfolk Southern Corporation
- Prince William Chamber of Commerce
- Richmond Area Municipal Contractors Association
- Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Precast Concrete Association of Virginia
- Sheet Metal Air Rail and Transportation Union
- Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce
- Virginia Asphalt Association
- Virginia Association of REALTORS
- Virginia Automobile Dealers Association
- Virginia Chamber of Commerce
- Virginians for High Speed Rail
- Virginia Railroad Association
- Virginia Ready-Mixed Concrete Association
- Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance
- Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Governor McDonnell’s plan will provide more than $3.1 billion in transportation funding for the Commonwealth over the next five years, including $1.8 billion for new construction. It will end the state’s crossover issue, in which money meant for construction is currently diverted to maintenance. The plan ties future transportation funding to economic growth and makes Virginia the first state in the nation to eliminate its gas tax, a rapidly declining revenue source. The full plan is available here.
Contact:
Jeff Caldwell
Press Secretary
(804) 786-2211
