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September 26, 2006 Discussion: . It has been 20 years since any major transportation reforms were made in Virginia, and since that time the problems have exacerbated especially in the urban corridors such as Northern Virginia and the Hampton Roads. . The Port of Virginia is posed to become the #1 East Coast Port, with improvements to the Port currently underway, the proposed Craney Island expansion, and Maersk beginning its operations next year with plans already for expansion. . The Hampton Roads has been rated by AAA as the 2nd most congested tourist destination in the nation. These traffic congestion problems are not only a concern for businesses, their customers, the workforce, and the overall quality of life for our citizens, but they also pose the significant threat as a matter of security in the event of a major disaster (man-made or natural). . Financial Impact: Potentially $100 million for the entire region in federally earmarked funds, which could set MPO projects back more than ten years. Staff Recommends: Adoption of proposed resolution. Vision Principles: Bold New Directions, World Class Maritime Center, Neighborhood and Community Transformation, A Robust and Prospering Economy, Lifelong Learning Community, and Pride of Past Promise of Future. Next Steps Following Council Action: . Present resolution to the General Assembly Delegation. Motion by Mr. D. Smith, and seconded by Ms. Psimas, to adopt the following resolution, and was adopted by the following vote: "RESOLUTION URGING THE GOVERNOR AND THE MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO WORK IN CONCERT DURING THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY'S SPECIAL SESSION 1 ON TRANSPORTATION AND TO ADOPT LEGISLATION AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS THAT WILL PROVIDE DEDICATED, LONG-TERM FINANCIAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE COMMONWEALTH'S TRANSPORTATION NEEDS. WHEREAS, during its 2006 regular session, the Virginia General Assembly did not reach agreement on identifying and funding major transportation needs in the Commonwealth of Virginia; and due in part to the unresolved transportation funding issues, a 2007 - 2009 Biennium Budget was not adopted; and WHEREAS, this lack of agreement led the Virginia General Assembly into Special Session 1 on March 27, 2006; and WHEREAS, as part of the June 2006 Budget Compromise, language and funding from the introduced budget bill was struck for the Departments of Rail and Public Transportation and the Department of Transportation, together with specific funding allocations for highways and transit, including the Mainline Rail Relocation Project for Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Suffolk; and WHEREAS, it has been twenty years since any major transportation reforms were made in Virginia, and since that time, the overall condition of transportation has greatly deteriorated, especially in the urban corridors of the Commonwealth with identified traffic choke points being in Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads; and WHEREAS, with current and proposed port improvements, including the scheduled opening of Maersk in 2007 and the future Virginia Port Authority expansion plans for Craney Island, the Port of Virginia is posed to become the leading East Coast port; and