Richmond, Virginia -- By a bi-partisan vote of 69-30, the House of Delegates yesterday approved House Bill 30, the 2006-2008 Biennial Budget, which contains record investments in transportation, education, healthcare, and the environment. The legislation included several amendments supported and sponsored by Delegate Jeff Frederick which will provide more than $60 million in additional transportation related funding to eastern Prince William County.

“Transportation is a top priority for citizens of the 52nd District, and this budget provides a solid down-payment for much needed projects to upgrade our roadways, expand VRE [Virginia Railway Express], and alleviate congestion,” Frederick said. “The out-of-control growth in our community is straining everything, but the traffic it has caused affects every citizen's quality of life. The impact of the land-use decisions made by our local government will take years to adequately address, but the investment made in the House budget goes far in demonstrating the state's commitment to the priorities of eastern Prince William taxpayers.”

The House transportation plan includes state funding for: Route 1 improvements in Prince William County to begin the long proposed widening project ($15 million); an additional investment into the Virginia Railway Express ($15 million); the completion of the fourth lane on Interstate 95 ($7.5 million); improvements to Route 1 at the Quantico back gate to better support ingress and egress from the base ($5.6 million); and improvements to the CSX rail tracts at Powells Creek to support and add capacity to VRE ($17.6 million).

These funding earmarks are in addition to existing transportation funding, the projects on top of those outlined in the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT) 6-year funding plan.

In addition to securing transportation funding in the House budget, Delegate Frederick also sponsored HB 1513, which would require that local government better coordinate transportation planning with the state. This legislation would help clarify between parties where infrastructure improvements are planned and funded, versus where they are not, and requiring localities to take that information into consideration when making comprehensive plan or rezoning decisions. This legislation has passed the House, and a companion bill has passed the Senate. Governor Kaine has indicated that he will sign this legislation.

Frederick added: “It is an honor to represent the citizens of the 52nd district, and I’m working hard in Richmond for their priorities. My legislative initiatives this year in dealing with transportation are a step in the right direction in fighting for less traffic and creative solutions.”

Currently in his second term, Delegate Frederick serves on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and the House Finance Committee. He has a 5-point plan to reduce congestion without raising taxes, which can be found at http://traffic-solutions.org.