Has Kaine Kaved?

The preliminary analysis of what little has been released seems to come down to this:

• Bonds will be included
• The only tax levied with be an increase on the deisel fuel tax
• Regional taxes, despite Chairman Connelly and Mayor Fraim, are IN

Now the plan seems to be trickling in, but it seems like Kaine has backed down from the strident rhetoric.  There could be some meddling underneath that hasn't come out yet.

BVBL has thoughts.  I'll see what I hear at the O'Brien event tonight.

Here are the details from Virtucon:

Details of Governor’s Actions

Statewide Funding – Over $375 Million Annually, Plus 2/3 of Surplus

• Authorizes $3 billion in new 25-year debt for highway construction, supported by dedication of one-third of insurance premiums to existing and new debt payments (frees up construction funding paying existing debt)
  • Increases percentage of bonds going to transit capital from 15.7% to 20%
  • Removes prohibition on using bond proceeds for urban and secondary roadsDedicates 3 cents of existing recordation taxes to transportation, with two cents to go to transit funding and one cent to go to highway maintenance
• Dedicates 2/3 of surplus revenues to transportation
• Equalizes diesel fuel tax (from 16 cents to 17.5 cents), which will be dedicated to highway maintenance
• Makes abuser fees legally defensible by eliminating retroactive application
• Retains original registration fee increase for cars, trucks and trailers, increased penalties for overweight trucks, and permanent dedication of one-third insurance premium taxes

Northern Virginia Regional Package – Approximately $400 Million Annually

• Authorizes $400 million annually in locally and regionally imposed taxes and fees
• Requires 6 of 9 localities to empower the regional authority to impose seven taxes and fees
• Gives localities the option of three additional revenue sources

Hampton Roads Regional Package –Approximately $200 Million Annually

• Authorizes up to $200 million annually in locally and regionally imposed taxes and fees
• Requires 7 of 12 localities to empower the regional authority to impose seven taxes and fees
• Gives localities the option of three additional local revenue sources

Land Use

• Expands scope and application of transportation impact fees for by-right commercial and residential development in communities with growing population, which will encompass about 75 communities across the state

Additional Items

• Creates a lockbox on new revenues – if transportation funds are diverted to other purposes, revenues in the bill cease
• Maintains current Commonwealth Transportation Board appointments by Governor

In addition, the Governor signed bills submitted in his legislative package designed to improve land use planning and traffic flow. Senate Bill 1181 (Williams) strengthens standards for accepting subdivision streets into the state system by increasing connectivity standards for roads and subdivisions, enhancingthe overall capacity and efficiency of the transportation network.

House Bill 2228 (Wardrup) / Senate Bill 1312 (Hawkins) promotes traffic flow and interconnectivity on the state’s road system, ensuring that new and existing roadways are not degraded by the creation of too many and poorly spaced intersections, turn lanes, median breaks, and other impediments. House Bill 2163 (Valentine) / Senate Bill 1144 (Wagner) allows VDOT vehicles to participate in clearing cars and restoring traffic flow after an accident, improving response time

Comments

[brimur]

I think this decision is unfortunate and I don't think these amendments do enough to make the bill into into a workable solution to the transportation crisis.

But it's beyond pathetic partisanship on your part to attack Kaine for reaching out. For weeks you've been whining that he's an obstructionist. You have no credibility. I'll be waiting with bated breath for your apology.

[George Templeton]

It's not a full out capitulation, but I don't think these amendments radically change this bill. Approve them and then lets the Democrats try to run against the bill statewide, while some of their representatives voted for it. For the first time I feel confident that the GOP can keep the Senate.

[asmith]

From Governor Gridlock to Kaine Kaving... What else is new?