Tom Warne Report, 17 December 2011
The Virginia General Assembly is facing a battle for its 2012 session over whether localities should assume responsibilities for local roads, which could potentially free up funding for larger projects. Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties are joining together to fight the proposition in the state legislature, which is supported by some state officials including Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton.
Fairfax County recently looked into assuming the responsibility of its own roadways, but county officials determined it would overwhelm the county’s budget. County officials estimated it would cost $100 million annually to maintain its own roads. Fairfax County Department of Transportation Director Tom Biesiadny said the county also lacks the local expertise for road maintenance, as the state has maintained the majority of all roadways since the 1930s. VDOT also benefits from discounts on materials by purchasing massive quantities to serve the entire state, Biesiadny added.