Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling released the following statement Wednesday on the $880 million transportation deal reached by House of Delegates and Senate negotiators:
“I am pleased that Senate and House negotiators have come to an agreement on a long term transportation funding plan. For the better part of my two decades in public service we have struggled to find a solution to our transportation challenges. Philosophical, political and regional differences have prevented us from achieving an agreement. Finding a bridge between these divergent approaches is very challenging, and I commend the conferees for being willing to compromise, consider alternative proposals and put aside differences to forge a historic agreement that provides substantial and sustainable revenue to support Virginia’s transportation funding needs.
“This is not a perfect plan, but it is an achievable plan. By definition, no compromise is perfect and no one gets everything they want. That is the essence of a compromise. I strongly encourage members of the House and Senate to support this conference report. This is a deal that generates real money for transportation and it will finally solve our long term transportation funding needs. Now is the time for action. This is an important issue that affects the economic viability and quality of life of our state and its citizens, and it must be solved. We cannot let this historic opportunity escape us. It is my sincere hope that members of the Senate and House will accept compromise and support this proposal.”
“I am pleased that Senate and House negotiators have come to an agreement on a long term transportation funding plan. For the better part of my two decades in public service we have struggled to find a solution to our transportation challenges. Philosophical, political and regional differences have prevented us from achieving an agreement. Finding a bridge between these divergent approaches is very challenging, and I commend the conferees for being willing to compromise, consider alternative proposals and put aside differences to forge a historic agreement that provides substantial and sustainable revenue to support Virginia’s transportation funding needs.
“This is not a perfect plan, but it is an achievable plan. By definition, no compromise is perfect and no one gets everything they want. That is the essence of a compromise. I strongly encourage members of the House and Senate to support this conference report. This is a deal that generates real money for transportation and it will finally solve our long term transportation funding needs. Now is the time for action. This is an important issue that affects the economic viability and quality of life of our state and its citizens, and it must be solved. We cannot let this historic opportunity escape us. It is my sincere hope that members of the Senate and House will accept compromise and support this proposal.”
