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Regional Transportation Funding and Messaging. Bill Bell FTAC Co-Chairman VP, Human Resources & Administration Newport News Shipbuilding. FTAC. HRTPO’s business-driven subcommittee Advises on regional freight transportation requirements and conducts public outreach
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Regional Transportation Funding and Messaging Bill Bell FTAC Co-Chairman VP, Human Resources & Administration Newport News Shipbuilding
FTAC • HRTPO’s business-driven subcommittee • Advises on regional freight transportation requirements and conducts public outreach • Economic drivers represented by FTAC employ thousands in Virginia • Robert BarclaySuffolk, VA City Council • Bill BellNewport News Shipbuilding • Butch CraneK-Line America • Ron DroganCrossGlobe Group • Keith HeltonGivens Transportation • Chris LuebbersNorfolk Southern, Inc. • Rick MorrisCanon Virginia, Inc. • Art MoyeVirginia Maritime Association
www.hrtpo.org www.portofvirginia.com “A Region United” on YouTube
Hampton Roads Transportation • Transportation infrastructure is critical to regional businesses & economic health • Efficient transportation systems benefit commuters AND businesses • Less traffic congestion • Lower cost of goods & services • Better quality of life
Transportation Funding • HRTPO’s 2034 Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP) • 150 projects considered = $30 billion • Fiscally-constrained, prioritized to 11 studies and 79 new projects • Only $1.2 billion in traditional funding is available • $7.7 billionis available by combining traditional revenue sources, local revenues, projectedtolling and private investment, and the Governor’s Omnibus Transportation Funding Package
Options for Financing a $1 B Project • Tolls only • At 50,000 paying customers per day, average toll of $4.30 is required • Gas tax only • 9.6¢ regional gas tax is required • Sales tax only • 0.5% regional sales tax is required • Combination of all three • 50,000 daily paying customers and $1.45 average toll • 3¢ regional gas tax • 0.2% regional sales tax
The Current Perception • Doom and gloom if we do nothing • A mistrust of providing revenues to lawmakers and lack of confidence that funds will always be used as intended • Pervasive feeling that any increase in revenues for any purpose will result in becoming unelectable
Let’s Shift the Perception • Positive tone, emphasize benefits of investing in transportation • Attracts businesses • Creates jobs • Lowers cost of goods & services • Maintains/improves quality of life currently enjoyed in the region • Transportation is an Investment Not A Cost
Newport News Shipbuilding • Largest industrial employer in Virginia • Approximately 21,000 employees • 7 of 10 depend on a bridge or bridge-tunnel • Ships in supplies from every state in the nation but Alaska
How You Can Help • Advocate for making transportation a priority • Promote regionalism and citizen awareness that efficient transportation systems benefit commuters AND businesses • Emphasize positive aspects of investing in transportation