Va GA News

 Norfolk GA News
Here are some updates on Norfolk’s legislative wish list, which is compiled weekly by Bryan Pennington, director of Norfolk’s Office of Intergovernmental Relations. The list is a snapshot of legislation the city opposes or supports.

Intercity Passenger Rail Operating and Capital Fund (IPROC) Funding
Passenger rail still faces a funding shortfall in two years.

While the legislature set up a capital fund to finance passenger rail, it still lacks a dedicated funding stream.

The Administration continues to work in a broad coalition of passenger rail funding supports, including Virginians for High Speed Rail, Hampton Roads for Rail, the Virginia Municipal League, and Virginia First Cities Coalition, according to the city’s legislative update.

Norfolk is working with Del. William Howell, R-28, who introduced HB 2313.

If passed, the measure would raise the registration fees for vehicles and trailers and designates these increased revenues for the Commonwealth Mass Transit Fund and the Intercity Passenger Rail Operating and Capital Fund.

Funding and allocation of those funds depends upon the outcome of Gov. Bob McDonnell’s transportation package which is now under serious discussion.

Election Bill Advances
A bill to change Norfolk’s mayoral term to two years, beginning in 2014 and expiring in 2016, passed the Virginia Senate February 15.

HB 1706, introduced by Chris Stolle, R-83, changes Norfolk’s charter to permit a two year mayoral term, which would coincide with the city’s super ward elections in 2016. (Stolle) Norfolk City Charter Change re Mayor Election Cycle

Public Art Boost
The Senate approved HB 1960, introduced by Matthew James, D-80, giving public art enthusiasts and supporters in Norfolk cause for celebration.

The measure would lift the restriction that only licensed contractors could install public art, considered a construction project under current law.

The legislation, if passed, would allow artists, under contract with public and not for profit agencies, to design and install public works of art and if necessary subcontract any related construction services with general contractors licensed in Virginia.

Casino Gaming Operations
Even though Virginia lawmakers have shelved proposed casino gambling for this year, Norfolk and Portsmouth are lobbying to have the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization conduct a Casino Gaming Study.

The request will be considered by the HRTPO at its March 2013 meeting.

Odds and Ends (compiled by TDN)
Route 58 Financing
The House and the Senate agreed to raise the amount of bonds issued for the improvement of Route 58 to $704.3 million.

The debt service on the bonds will be paid for by recordation taxes dedicated for the improvement of the Route 58 corridor.

The Commonwealth Transportation Board will issue the bonds. 

Va'a transportation financing

The bill, HB 1953, was introduced by Del. Charles Poindexter, R-9.

By contrast, the debt for the new four-lane, 55-mile highway between Suffolk and Petersburg will be paid by tolls.

Rules to Tighten for Scrap Metal Buyers
Virginia is clamping down on the purchase of scrap metals, prompted by the theft of copper from homes.

HB 1481, introduced by Del. Donald W. Merricks, R-16, passed the House and the Senate.

The measure changes the name of scrap metals processor to a buyer.

It also requires scrap metal buyers to maintain an image of the metals it bought for 30-days and to submit to the police a report of all of its purchases of certain items, if requested.