McDonnell roads funding bills pass committee hurdles

Gov. Bob McDonnell’s “Road to the Future” transportation funding proposal passes two legislative hurdles this week. The House Finance Committee voted on Wednesday to advance the legislation, which calls for an end to the state gas tax and an increase in the sales tax to provide for new funding for roads maintenance. The Senate Finance Committee voted to advance the package on Thursday.

“Our citizens deserve a modern, well-funded transportation system that will get them to work and home on time, without delay,” McDonnell said in a statement. “Our investment in building and maintaining our highways, transit systems and railroads is of utmost importance to the citizens of Virginia and they have told us loud and clear that now is the time to get something done on this issue. Today’s action is another major step forward in our effort to enact a long overdue, long-term transportation funding solution. I now urge the full House of Delegates and Senate to pass this bill and keep Virginia moving.”