Date: 02/13/2007 Time: 7:00 pm
The Chesterfield Business Council in partnership with the Greater Richmond Chamber is hosting public forum on Chesterfield County Transportation issues at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, at Clover Hill High School Auditorium. As you will read below,
this is an important issue that has the potential to impact a myriad of services in the County. Please do all you can to attend and share this announcement with any concerned constituent.
LEARN ABOUT CHESTERFIELD'S TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS
Recent news headlines report proposals for a striking change in transportation funding in Virginia.
The idea of shifting payment for transportation-roads,
in particular- from the state to county governments is a vast departure for the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Legislation submitted for the 2007 General Assembly would allow counties "the opportunity to accept maintenance" of their road
system
and to create "Urban Transportation Service Districts" that could charge impact fees for road maintenance. Now road funding, primarily, comes from state coffers and, historically, has in Virginia.
The conversation around taking
on
transportation funding to relieve the state of its responsibility we believe should involve every Chesterfield County citizen. Understanding the implications of such a move-one that will set a precedent-is important for each of us. There will be
no
turning back if this step is taken.
The Chesterfield Business Council is a group of bipartisan business leaders and owners who believe that action to put the cost of transportation ON COUNTY GOVERNMENTS should not be taken without
our
residents understanding exactly what this will mean.
Already, as you know, Chesterfield County is struggling with how to meet the burgeoning transportation needs in the county. Because state elected leaders have not adequately
addressed
documented needs for road, rail and transit improvements, Chesterfield's leaders are considering whether they will have to take on the responsibility.
Chesterfield says that our anticipated road funding needs will be 75 to 94
million
dollars per year for the next twenty years - an additional outlay of almost 10% of the current County budget. How will we meet these needs? Will the money be diverted from schools and public safety? Will our taxes increase
significantly?
We invite you and members of your organization to join us in a discussion of the various options being considered by our state and local government leaders and what these options may mean for the citizens of
Chesterfield County.
Please spread the word and join us at 7 p.m. Tuesday, February 13, at Clover Hill High School. We promise to give you information vital to our continued quality of living.
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