The VTRANS 2035 version, published in 2010, also reaffirmed billions in unfunded maintenance and construction needs, endorsed the need for new, long-term sustainable funding and stated that for every $1 Virginia invests in transportation, it receives $4 in return.

 

The General Assembly still failed to provide long-term funds.
 

The VTRANS 2035 Update process is now underway. Its investment priority goals include "achieving a state of good repair," "preserving and enhancing statewide mobility" and "reducing the cost of congestion to Virginia's residents and businesses." (For more on VTRANS 2035, click here.)

 

Yet, the 26th consecutive Virginia General Assembly is on the verge of adopting a budget that still lacks new, sustainable transportation funding.

 

The McDonnell administration is to be applauded for working to make Virginia's statewide plan more performance-based and priority driven.

 

However, the failure of this administration and this and previous General Assemblies to provide new, sustainable transportation funding raises the fundamental question - "Why mandate that VDOT spend taxpayer dollars on a long-term plan when the political will is lacking to provide the new, long-term money necessary to implement it?