2/28/05-A measure that requested a study of issues relating to transportation in the state has died.
Senate Journal 282, sponsored by Sen. Charles Hawkins, R-Chatham, was approved in differing versions in the House and Senate. The chambers, however, were unable to agree on the measure’s final language, effectively killing the effort for the year.
The original version of the measure sought to establish a joint subcommittee to examine the following:

• § Whether the Commonwealth’s current classification of roads into primary, secondary, and urban systems is the most suitable for addressing future transportation issues or should be replaced with a functional system that is based upon the usage of roads;
• § Whether the current statutory formula for allocating highway construction funds should be changed to better reflect transportation needs;
• § The appropriate state and local roles in highway construction and maintenance and the revenue resources that are available to perform such roles;
• § Whether the scope of projects eligible to be built under the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 should be more targeted in scope than is currently provided for under the Act and whether the Act should be amended to include private funding requirements from private entities contracting with the government;
• § Whether land-use and transportation planning decisions should be more integrated and coordinated than is presently provided for under law;
• § The composition of the Commonwealth Transportation Board; and
• § Such other transportation-related matters as the joint subcommittee deems appropriate.

The joint subcommittee was to develop recommendations directed at placing the Commonwealth in the best position for addressing future transportation issues and challenges.

1/5/05-An effort filed by Sen. Charles Hawkins, R-Chatham, requests a study of issues relating to transportation in the state.
Senate Journal 282 would establish a joint subcommittee to examine the following:

• Whether the Commonwealth’s current classification of roads into primary, secondary, and urban systems is the most suitable for addressing future transportation issues or should be replaced with a functional system that is based upon the usage of roads;
• Whether the current statutory formula for allocating highway construction funds should be changed to better reflect transportation needs;
• The appropriate state and local roles in highway construction and maintenance and the revenue resources that are available to perform such roles;
• Whether the scope of projects eligible to be built under the Public-Private Transportation Act of 1995 should be more targeted in scope than is currently provided for under the Act and whether the Act should be amended to include private funding requirements from private entities contracting with the government;
• Whether land-use and transportation planning decisions should be more integrated and coordinated than is presently provided for under law;
• The composition of the Commonwealth Transportation Board; and
• Such other transportation-related matters as the joint subcommittee deems appropriate.

The joint subcommittee shall develop recommendations directed at placing the Commonwealth in the best position for addressing future transportation issues and challenges.
The measure is before the Senate Rules Committee.
For Senate bill status, call (804) 698-7410. In Virginia, call 1-800-892-6948.