Bipartisan Group Calls for General Assembly Approval of Tolls

-- Legislators raise concerns over tolling existing interstates --

RICHMOND - A bipartisan group of Virginia legislators met today in Richmond to highlight legislation relating to the tolling of Virginia's existing interstate highway system. Delegates Peace, Cox, Farrell, Hodges, McQuinn, Robinson, Tyler were joined by business leaders representing various industries as well as local government officials, who called for further General Assembly oversight of Virginia's tolling plans.

Except for Interstate 81, tolling existing interstates in Virginia does not require General Assembly approval. Legislation introduced by Delegate Peace (HB 2196), Delegate Spruill (HB 2129), Delegate Tyler (HB 1460) and Senator McEachin (SB 865) will bring the approval of tolling under the jurisdiction of the General Assembly.

"A toll is a tax, plain and simple, and the taxing authority of the Commonwealth is in the hands of the General Assembly. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) was not elected to represent the best interests of their constituents, we were. The lack of oversight throughout the tolling process is very concerning and this legislation would allow for further legislative oversight, transparency and public input. I am glad to have a bipartisan group of legislators as co-patrons of HB 2196 and I look forward to working without them," said Delegate Peace.

Co-Patrons of Delegate Peace's bill, HB 2196, include; Delegate Brink, Carr, Cline, Cox, Dance, Farrell, Loupassi, McClellan, McQuinn, O'Bannon, Tyler, Ware and Wright.

Participants at the press conference raised the following concerns regarding VDOT's currently proposed tolling facility on Interstate 95 in Sussex County, citing them as reasons for the need for General Assembly oversight:

Tolls would cause major diversion of traffic onto local roads, thus increasing congestion and safety risks in local communities and on secondary roads.

Tolls would negatively impact economic development, cost jobs and hurt existing businesses along the I-95 corridor.

Toll collection would waste millions of taxpayer dollars on constructing and operating the toll plazas instead of funding road improvements.

VDOT has publicly said that tolling I-95 is a "first step" and that they will look at further tolling locations throughout the Commonwealth.

"These are decisions that are far too important and the implications far too great for the General Assembly not to be involved. Tolls can affect business, tourism, communities and individuals, and we want to make sure that they are in the best interest of the Commonwealth," said Delegate Roslyn Tyler.

"I own a third generation family business in Southside Virginia that is one of the largest employers in Sussex County. There is no question that a toll on I-95 will have a tremendous impact on my business. It will cause the cost of the goods that I sell to rise and will force me to look at reducing my workforce," said Rex Davis, President and CEO of Davis Travel Centers.

VDOT's plan to toll I-95 has caused a swell of opposition. Twenty-three localities, thirteen business associations, five economic and planning organizations and numerous businesses and public safety groups have joined over 6,700 individuals who have signed the online petition at www.virginiatollfree95.com in opposition to the tolling plan.

"This is an issue that affects residents throughout Virginia, not just those in Southside.  It is very clear that VDOT's current tolling plans are just the first step towards installing tolling facilities on existing interstate highways across the state.  The General Assembly needs to assert approval authority over the tolling of existing interstates before many more communities are confronted with the same threat that Southside is now facing." said Sterling Rives, Hanover County Attorney.

Note: Attendees of the press conference included representatives from Hanover, Prince George, Sussex and Greensville Counties, Virginia Trucking Association, Virginia Forestry Association, Virginia Municipal League, Virginia Poultry Federation, Virginia Farm Bureau, NATSO, Virginia Agribusiness Council, Virginia Retail Merchants Alliance, Virginia Manufacturers Association, Estes Express Lines, Boars Head Provisions Co., Davis Travel Centers, Robinson Terminal Warehouse and Old Dominion Freight Line.