Friday, April 3, 2015

Loudoun County and Del. Ramadan Continue Fight to Lower Greenway Tolls

This week, Delegate David Ramadan, who represents Virginia's 87th District, and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors took new steps in the ongoing effort to lower Greenway tolls. Both Ramadan and Loudoun County filed legal briefs with the State Corporation Commission in appeal of its Hearing Examiner's findings, which did not result in a change to Greenway tolls.

 

"There was overwhelming evidence to the contrary," said Ramadan. "The evidence included expert testimony that was presented during a five-day trial."

 

Ramadan and the Board of Supervisors maintain that the commission should set appropriate toll rates for the Greenway.

 

"This has been a long fight. I firmly believe that the Greenway tolls violate Virginia law," said Ramadan. "I will continue to fight this highway robbery on behalf of my constituents all the way to the Supreme Court, if necessary."

 

In December of 2012, Ramadan filed a complaint with the State Corporation Commission and in January of 2013 the commission approved an investigation of the Greenway tolls. The complaint argued that the commission should set tolls at a level (1) "which is reasonable to the user in relation to the benefit obtained;" (2) "which will not materially discourage use of the roadway by the public;" and (3) which will provide the operator no more than a reasonable return as determined by the commission."

 

Loudoun County supports Ramadan's approach as an interested party. A Hearing Examiner, appointed by the commission, issued the findings in January of 2014. During the 2015 General Assembly Session, Ramadan attempted to pass legislation that would have lowered Greenway tolls and required distance-based pricing. 


"Use of the Greenway has not increased as the population of Loudoun County has grown in recent years and this is contributing to traffic congestion in the region," said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York. "Loudoun County will continue to work with Delegate Ramadan and others to find a fair solution for our residents."

 

Following the filing of the legal briefs on March 30, the full State Corporation Commission is expected to hear the case in the coming months. 

 
* Official Loudoun County press release



 
 

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