The House Appropriations Committee on Monday approved Gov. Bob McDonnell's $4 billion transportation plan on a 17-5 vote.
There was little questioning of a revised plan that involves borrowing $2.9 billion, including $1.1 billion in federal bonds.
The bill is on a fast track. It was added to the full committee's docket Monday afternoon after a budget subcommittee endorsement earlier in the day.
In response to members' concerns, Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton said the Virginia Department of Transportation is fully capable of handling the expanded road-building program, which would include 900 road projects.
He also said the road-building industry is so economically depressed that bids should come in much lower than estimates.
Connaughton said VDOT was able to manage the federal government's $700 million transportation stimulus program without any strain on its operations. Four Democrats — Dels. James M. Scott of Fairfax County, Robert H. Brink of Arlington County, Onzlee Ware of Roanoke and Johnny S. Joannou of Portsmouth — joined independent Watkins M. Abbitt Jr. of Appomattox in voting against the transportation bill.
Scott said he was concerned that the plan would drain money from the general fund at the expense of state funding for higher education.
Questioned by Del. Rosalyn R. Dance, D-Petersburg, about the use of the general fund, Connaughton said $150 million in general-fund money, from the state's $403 million surplus, would go to the Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Bank, a one-time use. She voted for the bill.
The bill was revised to meet the objections of several budget committee members. A funding formula was changed to meet concerns that the original bill eliminated legislative oversight.
In addition, a proposed independent Virginia Transportation Infrastructure Bank board was subordinated to the Commonwealth Transportation Board, and the Virginia Resources Authority was authorized to manage the bank's transactions.
The revised bill, to meet objections from environmental groups, also increased funding for the Water Quality Improvement Fund. The bill would dedicate two-thirds of all revenue surpluses to transportation and one-third to the water quality fund. The water quality fund now receives 10 percent of funds available.
Speaker of the House William J. Howell, R-Stafford, sponsor of the bill, endorsed the changes and sat through the late-afternoon vote.
"Transportation is a core function of government," said Del. M. Kirkland Cox, R-Colonial Heights, vice chairman of the budget committee.
"This will stimulate the economy," said Del. Harvey B. Morgan, R-Middlesex.
twhitley@timesdispatch.com
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