Welcome to the transportation tax hike of 2008

Richmond Democratic Delegate Franklin Hall “getting ready to push for a regional authority that could raise $105 million annually for transportation projects in central Virginia” (Richmond Times-Dispatch).

Here are the details:

The money would be generated through an additional 2 percent tax on gas, as well as new or increased fees on car registrations, inspections and repairs. The taxes and fees could apply to much of the Richmond and Petersburg area.

As envisioned, the money would support the sale of long-term bonds that would fund roads and other projects to “deal with the transportation issue in central Virginia before it becomes a crisis,” said Del. Franklin P. Hall, D-Richmond, who plans to introduce legislation on the authority to the 2008 General Assembly, which convenes Wednesday.

“We see the issue as important enough that the leaders need to at least give it some thought,” said James W. Dunn, president of the Greater Richmond Chamber.

Hall’s bill would be enabling legislation. The Central Virginia Regional Authority would be subject to the approval of local governments, and it would spread over nine localities: the cities of Richmond, Colonial Heights, Petersburg and Hopewell, and the counties of Chesterfield, Dinwiddie, Hanover, Henrico and Prince George.

The authority could impose the taxes and fees if the governing bodies of at least five of the nine localities approve. The five approving localities would have to represent at least 51 percent of the area’s population, and they would have to include at least two of the three most populous localities, which are Chesterfield, Henrico and Richmond. Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Goochland, Cumberland, New Kent, Powhatan and Sussex counties could opt in.

As drafted, the bill would require the localities to act by the end of this year, and it could potentially set up the authority — and the higher taxes and fees — in localities even if they oppose it.

Sound like anything we’ve seen before? Say, the transportation tax hike of 2007? 

Jim Bacon already has dibs on the best label for this monstrosity - ”Son of HB3202″, so I’ll settle for the “transportation tax hike of 2008″ (Memo to Jim Bowden: I’ll be happy to hold “Transportation Tax Panic Part II” in escrow for you).

Bacon give this thing the complete hose-down, but his ending is truly priceless:

More money for sprawl-inducing mega-projects as oil tops $100 per barrel. Wow, that’s a real formula for regional success. NOT! This abomination — the Son of HB 3202 — must be strangled in its cradle before it locks into place a dysfunctional transportation system that does immeasurable harm to the future prosperity, liveability (sic) and sustainability of the Richmond region. 

Take note, western Virginia – if this thing is actually implemented, similar abominations are likely headed for Roanoke and the northern Shenandoah Valley.  Be afraid, be very afraid.