Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Supervisors Strongly Oppose Transportation Lobbying Program

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has adopted a formal position against a proposal by the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) to create a "legislative advocacy and public outreach program" at a cost of $250,000 annually. The money for the program would come from member contributions, including those of Loudoun County and five other Northern Virginia jurisdictions.   

In a letter to other members of the NVTC, Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott K. York says Loudoun County "will strongly object" to its transportation dollars being diverted to fund an NVTC lobbying program, especially when positions put forth by the NVTC sometimes conflict with those of Loudoun County.  In the letter, York also points out that "each of NVTC's member jurisdictions has individual representation programs in Richmond, which, when collectively applied, is a more meaningful expression of regional positions than a single voice from NVTC can or will be."   

Members of the public may comment on the proposal at the NVTC's next meeting, which is scheduled for 8 p.m., Thursday, January 5, in the NVTC main floor conference room, 2300 Wilson Boulevard, in Arlington. A public hearing on the proposal will be held prior to the commission's scheduled vote on the item.   

The NVTC allocates up to $200 million in state, regional, and federal transit assistance each year among the member jurisdictions. Its budget is funded primarily by the Commonwealth of Virginia and by its local governments, including Loudoun.  

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