The Virginia Automobile Dealers Association has endorsed “Virginia’s Road to the Future,” the comprehensive, long-term transportation funding plan proposed by Gov. Bob McDonnell to inject $3.1 billion in road, rail and public transportation funding over the next five years.
Speaking in support of the plan on behalf of the Virginia Automobile Dealers Association, which represents the 494 franchised new car and truck dealers that employ more than 28,000 throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, President and CEO Don Hall said:
“Now is a critical time in Virginia for solving our significant transportation challenges before they become hindrances to our economic development. Governor McDonnell’s bold and innovative transportation funding plan will help small businesses like our dealer members to continue to add jobs and grow their businesses throughout Virginia. We commend his leadership to propose a long-term, sustainable solution to Virginia’s transportation challenges in road, rail and public transit after so many years of false starts in dealing with this significant issue. Automobile dealers know that a safe, efficient, world-class highway system is vital to keeping Virginia viable in our national economy and keeping goods and services moving throughout the Commonwealth.”
McDonnell’s plan will provide more than $3.1 billion in transportation funding for the Commonwealth over the next 5 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 simple 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.
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Chris Graham
