(The following story by Anita Kumar appeared on the Washington Post website on August 19, 2010.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford) welcomed the news Thursday that $32.7 million of the budget surplus for the fiscal year that ended June 30 will go to transportation.
A provision in the landmark transportation package that passed in 2007 required that a portion of future general fund surpluses go toward transportation. (In addition, another $27.7 million also will be spent on transportation.)
“Like so many, I’m delighted that transportation is benefitting from today’s announced surplus and that my Comprehensive Transportation Reform and Funding Act of 2007 continues to help facilitate progress on this core responsibility of state government,” Howell said.
Howell also applauded a reconfigured rail junction on Norfolk Southern’s Crescent Corridor near Front Royal. It is the final of six capacity improvement projects in Northern Virginia that will help more trains travel at higher speeds and ease traffic congestion.
“Mobility is a cornerstone of economic success for Virginia and the efficient, safe and reliable movement of people and products is integral to improving the outlook for future jobs and prosperity in Virginia,” Howell said.
The projects, funded by $43 million from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and nearly $20 million from Norfolk Southern, lengthened or build new passing tracks between Manassas and Front Royal, installed five miles of double track near the Virginia Inland Port, improved signal and traffic control systems, and increased train speeds through Riverton Junction near Front Royal.