Six more business, transportation and labor groups today joined the growing list of supporters of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s “Virginia’s Road to the Future” long-term transportation solution.
The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of Teamsters, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Virginia Railroad Association, Norfolk Southern Corporation, and CSX Transportation, Inc. announced their support for the Governor’s transportation plan. Official statements from the groups can be found below.
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
“With Northern Virginia continuing to top the list as one of the most congested regions in the nation, transportation issues are a major threat to the outstanding quality of life and rapid economic growth of the region that drives the success of the Commonwealth. We cannot wait any longer to develop a long-term, sustainable solution for transportation funding.
The Fairfax Chamber applauds and thanks Governor McDonnell for putting forth an innovative, sustainable transportation funding plan. This plan is an excellent first step in creating a long-term vision for Northern Virginia that will ensure we do not lose – but continue to enhance – our economic viability.
The Fairfax Chamber supports this fair and reasonable funding solution as a major step forward in getting Virginia—especially Northern Virginia—moving again. The Northern Virginia business community looks forward to engaging with members of the General Assembly as this solution moves through the legislative process – and seeing a long-term, sustainable funding solution as the outcome of this legislative session.”
– Jim Corcoran, President & CEO, Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, which represents over 650 businesses and nearly 500,000 employees in Northern Virginia
Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of Teamsters
“The Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of Teamsters applauds Governor McDonnell for putting forth a detailed plan to address Virginia’s transportation infrastructure needs, including a dedicated source of funding for intercity passenger rail. The governor understands that the continuation and expansion of intercity passenger rail transportation is critical to transportation corridor solutions and the relief of highway congestion.”
– Greg Marston, State Legislative Director, Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employees Division of Teamsters
Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
“The Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen support Governor McDonnell’s transportation plan for growing business and rail transportation in the greats Commonwealth of Virginia. Governor McDonnell understands the need to have quality rail transportation for the citizens and businesses in Virginia. Please add our endorsement to the growing number of labor and business organizations supporting this great plan.”
– Timothy R Craver, Virginia State Legislative Board Chairman, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen
Virginia Railroad Association
“The Virginia Railroad Association, whose active members consist of the nine shortline railroads that operate in the Commonwealth, endorses Governor McDonnell’s goal of establishing a long term, sustainable and comprehensive funding solution to address Virginia’s critical transportation needs. We especially support the governor’s proposal to create a dedicated funding source for the Intercity Passenger Rail”
– Gale Wilson, President, Virginia Railroad Association
Norfolk Southern Corporation
“As a major transportation company employing more than 5,000 Virginians and traversing throughout the Commonwealth, Norfolk Southern recognizes that the Commonwealth’s transportation network urgently needs millions more in added investments to maintain a vibrant and growing economy. As the Commonwealth’s investment in transportation grows, so too will its ability to create jobs and spur economic growth. It’s clear that the existing funding mechanisms which have traditionally funded this investment are diminishing, and we applaud Governor McDonnell for his leadership and vision to explore nontraditional means of funding the Commonwealth’s transportation programs. Simply doing nothing is not an option.”
– Wick Moorman, CEO, Norfolk Southern Corporation
CSX Transportation, Inc.
“Virginia is considered a national leader in rail development, and has always understood the importance of balancing the needs of both freight and passenger rail. Governor McDonnell’s comprehensive transportation package will build on this success by providing for continued growth of rail in Virginia. The proposal meets the new federal requirement for state funding of the successful Amtrak Virginia service, provides new revenue to improve the capacity and fluidity of existing rail lines and maintains dedicated funding for freight projects that will increase economic development opportunities and spur growth at the Port of Virginia.”
– Quintin C. Kendall, Regional Vice President, CSX Transportation, Inc
These six groups join numerous business, labor and transportation groups that have already announced their support of the governor’s plan. They are:
• American Concrete Paving Association – Mid-Atlantic Chapter
• Associated General Contractors of Virginia
• Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce
• Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce
• Hampton Roads Utility and Heavy Contractors Association
• Heavy Construction Contractors Association
• Old Dominion Highway Contractors Association
• 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 Automobile Dealers Association
• Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Virginians for High Speed Rail
• Virginia Ready-Mixed Concrete Association
• Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance
• Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
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