Agenda 01/10/2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Transportation Past General Assemblies have made clear their intention to bring four-lane highway transportation along Virginia's southern border in an effort to improve commercial and private transportation between the Commonwealth's ports and its major western interstate highways. As that effort has run short of funding as the project grows nearer completion, we ask that the 2006 General Assembly fulfill Virginia's commitment to complete four-Ianing U.S. Route 58 from east to west at least to its intersection with Interstate 77 in Hillsville, whether through full funding or through public-private partnership, whichever allows for swifter completion. The United States' Dwight D. Eisenhower Interstate System is America's preferred method for the transportation of goods and raw materials. As federal and state funds become available for constructing Virginia's Interstate 73, we assert the Commonwealth's best interests are met by beginning right of way acquisition, planning and construction at the borders to meet highway construction already completed and underway in neighboring states. Recent increases in petroleum product costs critical to road construction will decrease paving activity without additional state funding for urban road maintenance and construction. We urge the General Assembly to consider localities' significant cost increases of raw materials and fuel when crafting the 2006-08 biennial budget, and increase highway maintenance funds accordingly. Also, we believe the Commonwealth should increase funds available for urban bridge repair and maintenance to meet the needs of cities facing aging transportation infrastructure. Economic Development To spur new growth by industrial, service and retail clients, Virginia must keep in place and continue to increase funding for its strong, nationally recognized system for attracting and providing incentives to companies willing to bring jobs and capital investment to Virginia. The City of Martinsville and surrounding areas have greatly benefited from the generosity of the Governor's Opportunity Fund. The City supports the increased growth of the GOF, and encourages the General Assembly to establish greater incentives to foster full competition with other states, generating industrial, manufacturing and services industry support jobs in areas of Virginia witl1 persistently low employment rates. Due to our proximity to North Carolina, our area has lost jobs and opportunity to that state when economic development prospects have been available. We must remain competitive by providing incentives and maintaining personal contacts on the state and local levels. We encourage additional financial support for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, including a strong focus on attracting new companies and existing clients to areas with a high concentration of unemployed workers.