Multiple Transportation Bills Will Be the Focus For General Assembly

At least a dozen transportation bills are up for committee debate this week in the General Assembly. Among the road-tax proposals members will review include the Governor’s suggestions to divert more of the existing sales-tax revenue to transportation. Also up for committee consideration is a new “one cent on the dollar road tax bill” which was proposed by Del. Lacey Putney of Bedford County. Putney says the measure would dedicate half the $1 billion-a-year proceeds to roads. Some members say the sheer number transportation related proposals is an indication that a greater percentage of legislators believe the state’s road needs and funding is reaching a critical stage.