HOUSE AND SENATE COMMITTEES ADVANCE TRANSPORTATION FUNDING BILLS

The Senate Transportation Committee passed SB 1417 , by a vote of 12-2 (See Committee vote breakdown), which would provide both statewide funding for transportation and regional packages by which Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads could add several hundred million in regional transportation funding. SB 1417, similar to the "compromise" legislation HB 3202 reported on earlier, SB 1417 would rely on the use of general funds and bonds for the majority of funds. In addition, both bills would infuse more than $500 million in current "surplus" funds into transportation.

SB 1417 must now go to the Senate Finance Committee where it is likely to run into an alternative proposal being advanced by some Senators. That alternative would apply the state sales tax to gasoline sales, which would generate about $600 million in transportation funding.

HB 3202 passed through the House Appropriations by a vote of 18-4. (See Committee vote breakdown) This bill will now proceed to the Senate.

Other transportation funding measures also advanced yesterday:

SB 1410 provides for wagering on simulcast recorded horse races, with 49 percent of proceeds (after payouts) going to the Commonwealth Transportation Trust Fund. The bill was passed by the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee yesterday. A similar measure has failed in the House.

SB 760 provides that 50 percent of all future general fund balances (surpluses) go into the Highway Maintenance and Operating Fund. The bill passed the Senate Transportation Committee and now moves to the Senate Finance Committee.