Wolf wants committee for transit issues in Va.

Rep. Frank R. Wolf, R-10th, is urging Gov. Timothy M. Kaine to name a blue-ribbon commission on transportation to be led by two former Virginia governors, Democrat Gerald L. Baliles and Republican George Allen.

Kaine said yesterday that the idea is "intriguing" but that a solution to the commonwealth's transportation troubles does not necessarily require another panel.

"My general sense is the lack of action is not the result of a lack of study, but it's frankly different opinions about whether we want to pay for it or not," Kaine said.

"I've got a legislature coming in for this session, and I think they ought to be accountable for what happens or doesn't happen with respect to transportation."

In a letter to Kaine this week, Wolf wrote that "fighting gridlock is not a Democrat or Republican issue; it is a good-government issue."

In light of recent reports that the state faces $2.7 billion in cuts from its highway and construction budget, "such a commission is needed now more than ever to ensure that decisions are based on need, not politics," Wolf wrote.

This summer Kaine called a six-day special session on transportation. It failed to fix what was then a $375 million gap for highway maintenance and to fund $500 million in regional transportation needs in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads.

Kaine said yesterday that the issue might be best addressed after the upcoming session, when the legislature has weighed in on transportation. At that point, he said, details will be available about the transportation component of the anticipated federal economic stimulus plan.

Contact Jim Nolan at (804) 649-6061 or .