Richmond, Virginia (September 22, 2006) -- Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford), joined by Delegates Timothy D. Hugo (R-Fairfax) and Jeffrey M. Frederick (R-Prince William), today announced a package of legislation that would better position the Commonwealth to receive additional federal funding for improvement and upgrades to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s Metro system in Northern Virginia. Metro is the nation’s second largest rail transit system and fifth largest bus network.

“House Republicans have repeatedly demonstrated their commitment to improving Virginia’s network of roads, railways, and public transit,” remarked Speaker Howell. “Today’s announcement is further evidence of that continuing commitment, as we propose a viable, ongoing, dedicated revenue stream to expand the availability of public transit for the citizens of Northern Virginia. It also is another example of how, when we put our minds to it, solutions to our challenges can be found without taking the all-too-easy route and reflexive impulse to raise taxes.”

Three bills being introduced for consideration during next week’s conclusion of the General Assembly special session for transportation would provide $50 million in ongoing state revenues, enabling Metro to accept $1.5 billion in federal funding. The funding will support the Metro’s 10-Year Capital Improvement Program, developed to adequately recapitalize the system and keep its assets in a state of good repair. The House package designates portions of the existing recordation tax along with revenues from the tax on auto insurance premiums to raise the funds required by the innovative federal legislation, sponsored by U. S. Representative Tom Davis (R-VA). Approved by the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Davis’ legislation is pending in the U.S. Senate.

“Metro is a vital component of Northern Virginia’s transportation network,” noted Delegate Hugo. “By meeting this unique opportunity to obtain federal assistance, we are taking positive, affirmative action to ensure that Metro will fulfill its mission to provide public transportation that aids in reducing congestion on Northern Virginia’s roads.”

“The Chamber applauds Speaker Bill Howell and the House Republicans for making Metro funding a top priority in the upcoming special session on transportation,” said Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce President and CEO William D. Lecos. “We have a world-class economy that needs to be able to do what it has always done best – find practical solutions that allow the economy to thrive.”

The House package of legislation to create the necessary funding stream consists of three bills. The first, sponsored by House Appropriations Chairman Vincent F. Callahan, Jr. (R-Fairfax), dedicates the first $20 million annually of the existing tax on automobile insurance premiums to Metro. The second, sponsored by House Transportation Chairman Leo C. Wardrup, Jr. (R-Virginia Beach), increases the portion of recordation tax receipts – directed to localities based on point of collection – by an additional $60 million (from $40 million to $100 million). For Northern Virginia, this would provide an additional $30 million annually for Northern Virginia to use for the Metro match. The third bill, sponsored by House Finance and Transportation Committee member, Delegate Timothy D. Hugo, allows the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to use the funds designated by Delegates Callahan’s and Wardrup’s bills to dedicate $50 million annually to match the federal cooperative funding as it becomes available.

“These funds will help preserve and expand the commuting options for the citizens of eastern Prince William,” said Delegate Frederick. “Hopefully, as Metro does more to eliminate waste and make their operations more efficient, this investment, combined with the federal match, will help bring Metro into the 21st Century and begin the process of expanding the system to Woodbridge and points south.”

“Virginia has legitimate mass transit needs and we have the money to fund them without raising taxes,” declared Delegate L. Scott Lingamfelter (R-Prince William). “This legislation proves that we will do what we need to draw down federal funds. Partisan criticism to the contrary is just plain wrong.”

“We greatly appreciate the leadership shown by Congressman Davis and many others, especially the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, on this important initiative,” remarked Speaker Howell. “The Chamber played a leadership role in identifying this issue as a top priority for the Commonwealth’s business community. The Majority Caucus' productive discussions with the Fairfax Chamber helped pave the way that brought us to the solution we are announcing today.

“Of course, this is not the only solution we’ll be discussing during the special session. Last week, you heard our proposals to fundamentally transform VDOT into a modern, responsive and effective state agency. Today, we’re making an important commitment to improving public transportation for the residents of Northern Virginia. Next week, Virginians will again see House Republicans continuing to advance a far-reaching, innovative and comprehensive approach to addressing the Commonwealth’s transportation challenges.”