Issue Position: Transportation

Issue Position

I am really pleased that the McDonnell Administration and the General Assembly made progress on funding transportation in Virginia. I am very supportive of widening Highway 64 to reduce traffic between Newport News and Richmond. Additionally I agree with the list of eight priority projects identified by the Hampton Roads Transportation and Planning Organization. If elected I would advocate for a rail component to be included in the Hampton Roads Third Crossing project.

I believe improving rail transportation in Hampton Roads is vital to our economic future, especially considering the many members of the Armed Forces who need easier access to the Washington DC area. The Military is a huge part of our economy and we need to modernize our infrastructure to meet their needs. I also think improving sidewalks and bike paths is a win-win opportunity for our citizens, to decrease emissions from cars while improving public health through physical activity. I know everyone in my family would ride our bicycles more often if we felt safe on the roadways. But I don't have a sidewalk between my house and the grocery store, or between my house and my daughter's school. Unfortunately we've got a long way to go to make our roads pedestrian and bike friendly. I think this should be a priority.

I'm also concerned that the problems permitting the Rt. 460 project demonstrate flaws in the Public-Private Transportation Act. I think the Act really needs to be reformed to allow for greater public input, transparency and competition. I would oppose putting any more taxpayer funds into such projects until the Public-Private Transportation Act is reformed to allow for greater participation by local governments and the public in planning.

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