That’s the situation in 46 other states, all of Va cities and 2 counties and it makes a big difference in how they view development proposals and what requirements they place on the developers.

JLARC has advocated that we allocate local roads to the localities, regional roads to the MPO and roads of statewide significance to VDOT.

and I agree.. with that.

let the localities figure out if they want to use tax dollars to maintain cul-de-sacs and public roads that function like private ones.

Let VDOT set the standards at all 3 levels but allow 3rd party contractors to do the work per those standards.

For regional entities – allow a VRE-like sales tax to fund regional roads but either have direct-elected MPOs or require that the road plan be approved by referenda. Do NOT let unelected folks decide how to spend the money.

Let VDOT use tolls and congestion pricing and other PPTA approaches to roads of statewide significance.

I was hoping to hear from either Deeds or McDonnell or both – something more innovative and practical than what either one has proffered so far.

VDOT is the 3rd largest DOT in the nation by virtue of having to maintain and operate virtually all county roads, while also making maintenance payments to the urban localities. That means we, the taxpayers, are on the hook for maintaining cul-de-sacs and subdivision streets, as well as being held accountable for “fixing” the congestion mess that results from continued sprawl and leapfrog development. There is no free lunch, but the developers are getting some nice fat subsidies from the taxpayers.

Most folks have no clue how much it costs to maintain their roads. They labor under the myth that once a road is built that it is paid for.

If we think we need more roads – they aint going to come from liquor stores and ferreting out waste & abuse.

You’re gonna need new money – plain and simple. Deeds was honest about that. McDonnell was not.