Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine’s Answers to VBT’s Questions for Gubernatorial Candidates


How important of an issue is transportation to you?

TK: Transportation is the most urgent problem facing the next Governor.  I am the only candidate with the experience to tackle this problem right away.  I have actually worked to improve transportation on the state and the local level.  I have been a leader in a region with roads, rail, a port, a bus system, and an airport. 

I am unique in this race for having real transportation experience.  I have worked on local transportation projects, negotiated with the state and with Amtrak to restore train service to Main Street Station, and partnered with Chesterfield County and Henrico County to expand regional bus service.  I have appointed members of the regional airport authority and the port authority.  I worked with Governor Warner to reform VDOT, and worked with the Governor to bring legislators of both parties together behind the budget reform package that made it possible to invest $848 million in transportation in 2005.

Do you believe Virginia has a transportation funding crisis?

TK: Yes.  Virginia’s transportation system is in crisis.  Road miles traveled and transportation costs have increased dramatically in the last two decades.  The growth of the state’s population and the expansion of our metropolitan areas fuelled by that growth, have increased congestion dramatically.  Too many Virginians spend too much time stuck in traffic rather than working or at home with their families.  Meanwhile, in many rural parts of Virginia, inadequate transportation systems block prospects for economic prosperity.  The transportation crisis is a statewide problem that requires statewide solutions.  At the same time, there is a hole in the system that is leaking money that would otherwise be used to meet transportation needs.  We must ensure that money we count on for transportation needs goes to transportation instead of being diverted away. 

The old approaches to address this problem will not work.  We need comprehensive and new thinking coupled with decisive leadership. 

If you are elected Governor and find yourself pitching our state to a company who is considering moving its operations to Virginia – what positive things would you say about our transportation system?  What negative things would you have to say?

TK: Virginia’s human and natural capital, its central location and established ports make it ideal to locate in.  Our airports, especially Dulles and the network of general aviation fields, are strong assets for economic development.  Additionally, Virginia has made great strides in improving the efficiency and efficacy of VDOT under the Warner-Kaine Administration. 

However, I know that there is a great deal more to be done.  Specifically, we need to ensure that resources dedicated to transportation are used for those needs.  We also need to better connect land-use and transportation and planning decisions.  I have released a comprehensive plan that will take bold steps to address these issues. 

What are your transportation priorities and how will you maximize the use of transportation dollars?

TK: I have released a detailed proposal that calls for an aggressive plan to address the transportation crisis that maximizes the use of our transportation dollars.  

First, I am committed to action on transportation in 2006. As Governor-Elect, I will travel the Commonwealth in November and December, leading transportation summits in every region, to lay out the dimensions of Virginia’s transportation challenges and gather all stakeholders to the table.  In so doing, we will set out the agenda and clear priorities for the General Assembly when it comes into session in January. 

Second, I will ensure that resources meant for transportation are used on transportation.  I will veto any measures that would use Transportation Trust Fund dollars for non-transportation uses and seek Constitutional protection for the Trust Fund against future raids.  I will also keep the General Assembly’s promise to dedicate the automobile insurance premiums tax revenue to transportation needs. 

Third, I will work to ensure that we use our money as efficiently and wisely as possible.  I will implement incentives that will promote a better cnnection between land use and transportation planning to ensure that we are using our money effectively.  I will also continue the Warner-Kaine Administration’s reform of VDOT to build on the significant improvement we have made in on-time, on-budget performance. 

What is your position on PPTA and do you think this part of the solution to the issue?  What is your position on selling or leasing transportation facilities?

TK: Private sector involvement can often provide the necessary infusion of early capital to speed a project’s construction.  PPTA is not a substitute for a statewide transportation plan, but it is a useful tool when applied correctly. As Governor, I will use the Public-Private Transportation Act to kick-start important transportation projects.

All recent reports and studies indicate that Virginia has vast needs in terms of transportation infrastructure.  How do you propose to address the need for an assured stream of billions of dollars over the next 20 years to meet these needs?

TK: My transportation plan provides for a much needed immediate cash infusion into our transportation system and properly allows for long-term planning.  

I will prioritize ensuring that funds meant for transportation are used for transportation.  In the short-term, I will keep the General assembly’s broken promise to dedicate auto insurance premium taxes to transportation, adding $966 million to VDOT’s six-year construction plan.  I will also work to end the practice of requiring state transportation agencies to transfer monies in their budgets to non-transportation agencies, consolidate staff among these agencies, and in so doing add an additional $220 million to meeting our transportation needs.  Additionally, I will veto any diversion of transportation revenues from the Transportation Trust Fund for other purposes, while I seek a Constitutional amendment to protect the Fund from future raids. 

I also support using excess revenues for one-time projects like transportation construction when Virginia’s budget runs a surplus.  Last year, the surplus generated by the Virginia economy allowed the largest one-time investment of funds for transportation in our Commonwealth’s history.  Investing a record $848 million into transportation, including clearing more than a quarter-billion dollars in debt from old projects, was a fiscally responsible and necessary investment for our transportation network.  If opponents of budget reform had had their way, this investment would not be possible.   

Additionally, I will leverage our investment through the use of Hot Lanes and Public-Private Partnerships.  I support the use of HOT lanes to supplement existing lanes. HOT lanes are variable toll lanes that react to congestion.  A new HOT lane project was just approved for 14 miles of the 495 Beltway between the Springfield Interchange and the Dulles Toll Road.  The two new HOT lanes in each direction will supplement the existing lanes and provide greater capacity for moving traffic. I will also continue to encourage carpooling to reduce congestion by allowing carpoolers to ride free in HOV/HOT lanes.

Do you consider the gas tax a user fee or just a tax?  Can you think of any other way to increase transportation revenues for the long run?

TK: Transportation is funded primarily through user fees, as it should be.  The gas tax, the automobile insurance premium tax, tolls, and bus, air, and train tickets are all paid directly by the users of the transportation network.  Jerry Kilgore has said that the gas tax is an antiquated way to fund transportation.  I disagree.

I stood with Governor Warner and many Virginians concerned about transportation in supporting the Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads regional referenda held in November 2002. The defeat of those referenda sent a clear message -- even voters who believed that transportation was a significant problem declined to approve new taxes for roads:  voters said that they did not trust the politicians in Richmond to spend the new money only on transportation; that they did not trust the VDOT to use the money efficiently; and that they did not trust that state and local leaders, even with additional resources, could solve our transportation problems planning and building roads the same way we always have.  The message was crystal clear—don’t throw money at a broken system.  Fix the system.

Governors have to make tough choices with limited revenues.  They cannot hand off the hard decisions to others.  My transportation plan emphasizes immediate action, restoring integrity to transportation funding, linking land use and transportation planning and continuing the effort to offer more transportation options.

Given that we are required by law to pass a balanced budget, is having a “lock box” on the transportation trust fund really necessary?

TK: Yes.  When I came to state government from City Hall, I was astonished to find that there was a back-door way for legislators to spend money on other projects when it had been promised to transportation.  Any citizen in Virginia can look at the Code and see that gas taxes are promised to transportation, but very few know that language in the last section of the budget bill can override that.\

The balanced budget requirement did not prevent the three raids on the Transportation Trust Fund that have happened in recent years.  As Governor, I will veto measures that divert funds from the Fund and will support Constitutional protection for the Fund to ensure it from future raids. 

In your view are there changes that need to better connect transportation and land use choices?  If so, what are they?

TK: For too long in Virginia, we have made transportation and development decisions separate from each other. We can all point to examples of new homes or shopping centers that were built on roads not ready to handle the traffic, or to new roads that seem oversized for their surroundings.

We must connect development and transportation decisions so that they work together. Disconnected decision-making leads to road fixes that chase development decisions, and to money wasted on projects that aren’t needed to meet local traffic needs. As someone with extensive state and local government experience, I will work with state and local leaders to change our approach so that transportation and land use fit together.

Specifically, I will direct my Secretary of Transportation to develop recommendations within the first 100 days of the administration on bringing existing transportation and planning entities together behind changes that facilitate better coordination of priorities and integration of decision-making processes.  I will also create a strong incentive to foster regional cooperation by giving priority in state funding to projects that have been rated high priorities through a regional cooperative process.

Better planning will help us choose the right road and transit projects to support future growth, make better use of existing transportation infrastructure, strengthen existing neighborhoods and protect open spaces. By building communities where people can live, work and shop, we will reduce the amount of time we spend traveling from place to place during the day.

Some citizens, including some Senators, have said that we need a different approach to transportation – that we can’t continue the same kind of 1950’s reliance on a roads-only approach and 1950’s style development.  What policies would you put in place that will assure Virginians that while increasing transportation funding you will also maximize the use of all transportation modes and the existing transportation network?

TK: I agree that we cannot simply tax and pave our way out of the transportation crisis.  As discussed earlier, we must better link land-use and transportation planning.  Additionally, any comprehensive transportation system needs to provide multiple transportation options for travelers.  No road-only system will be able to handle the ever-increasing demands. Supporting a full range of transportation options eases road congestion and moves more people faster. 

As Governor, I will support statewide passenger rail by using the Rail Enhancement Fund to work with private partners to increase the use of rail for moving passengers and freight and will oppose proposed cuts to Amtrak that would affect VRE or close other Virginia Amtrak stations.  I will also work to improve transit options by improving accountability and efficiency at Metro, and adding cars and capacity to Metro trains.  I also support extending Metro rail to Dulles Airport, tax credits for employers whose employees use transit throughout Virginia, and incentives for private investment near key transit locations and locate state offices near Metro, rail, and bus stations.  Additionally, I will work for improved bike access to Metro and passenger rail stations, bus service that connects to passenger rail stations and airports, and rail service that connects airports to downtowns.

I will also work to better integrate our port and rail system by supporting the Heartland Corridor and increase the capacity of rail infrastructure from the Port of Hampton Roads west through the mountains.  By relocating and improving some sections of track, and raising bridges and overpasses in selected locations, double-stacked freight trains will be able to travel from the port all the way to the nation’s Midwest, opening new economic opportunities to Virginia businesses and moving freight safely and efficiently without competing with Virginia drivers.  I will also continue to support including increased freight rail capacity as part of the Interstate 81 improvements.

Additionally, I will support local and regional air service by using economic development funds to attract low-cost air carriers to Virginia’s regional airports and improving smaller airports to help rural areas compete for businesses. I support a responsible, safety-oriented plan to restore private aircraft service at National Airport and advocate for better bus and rail connections between airports and downtowns. In addition, I will protect the funds that the Code of Virginia dedicates to the Aviation Special Fund, and use those resources to improve security at Virginia’s smaller airports.

What would you do to build capacity of region-wide public transportation, especially in urban areas?

TK: Public transit systems take Virginians on a half a million trips every day.  Buses and trains operate in communities across the state to carry commuters to work; carry seniors and disabled Virginians to doctors, stores, and basic services; carry students to classes; and carry tourists from site to site.

These trips provide many Virginians and visitors with convenience and independence.  They also relieve pressure on roads and highways and reduce air pollution from auto emissions.

As the Mayor of Richmond, I successfully fought for the restoration of daily train service to the historic downtown Main Street Station, and helped bridge a long-standing conflict between Richmond and Chesterfield County to build a regional partnership for bus service. 

I support improving accountability and efficiency at Metro, and adding cars and capacity to Metro trains. I also support extending Metro rail to Dulles Airport, connecting Virginia’s largest airport to businesses in Northern Virginia and Washington, and to Fort Belvoir to help accommodate the large increase in defense-related jobs that are to be relocated there.

I support tax credits for employers whose employees use transit throughout Virginia.

Do you think Virginia should have a special session this spring to solely address the long-term transportation funding?

TK: The General Assembly will convene in regular session on January 11.  I don’t want to wait for a special session to focus our energy on solving our transportation challenges.

Our transportation system is in a crisis and demands immediate action.  As Governor-Elect, I will travel the Commonwealth in November and December, leading transportation summits in every region, to lay out the dimensions of Virginia’s transportation challenges and gather all stakeholders to the table.  In so doing, we will set out the agenda and clear priorities for the General Assembly to act on when it comes into session in January. 


Questions submitted by Virginians for High Speed Rail –

Virginia rail fund needs were identified as being $2.7 billion from now through 2010 by the recent Virginia State Rail Plan prepared by the department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Rail has never received state funds until $23 million was appropriated to make freight and passenger rail a viable alternative to relieve congestion and provide passenger service. 

What would be your proposal to create funds that can actually bring rail to the condition required to make service efficient and reliable?

TK: I am committed to increasing passenger rail capacity in the Commonwealth.  As Mayor of Richmond, I worked with Amtrak and the state to restore passenger rail service to historic Main Street Station.  I was proud to support the first dedicated fund for rail projects in the Commonwealth.  As Governor, I will use the Rail Enhancement Fund to work with private partners to increase the use of rail for moving passengers and freight.

The Virginia Railway Express carries thousands of Virginians between home and work every day in Northern Virginia.  It is a critical part of the transportation network there. Intercity passenger rail service could forge new connections in other parts of Virginia as well. Daily passenger service from Bristol to Northern Virginia, from Northern Virginia to Hampton Roads, and from Roanoke to Richmond, would reduce congestion on Interstates 81, 95, and 64.  Easy, reliable travel connecting Virginia towns to the larger metro areas would create new economic opportunities. 

Recently Amtrak passenger rail service between Washington D.C. and Richmond and Virginia Railway Express service in Northern Virginia have been handicapped by CSX’s failings of equipment and management.  Leadership has been lacking that would correct the situation and end the inconvenience and unreliability of service. 

As Governor, what would you do to relieve this situation that inconveniences VRE and Amtrak passengers daily?

TK: Rail transportation in Virginia is now and will continue to be based on a public-private collaboration.  We must work with passengers and rail advocates alongside the railroad companies in Virginia to find solutions that allow freight and passenger rail to productively and efficiently coexist.  Richmond’s Acca Yard, for example, remains a stumbling block for quick Richmond to Northern Virginia travel.  It can only be solved by cooperation between CSX and the Commonwealth.

I-81, I-64 and I-95 are all congested corridors that could be relieved by rail.  The current administration and Commissioner Schucet pleased rail advocates and residents of Shenandoah Valley by insisting that rail be a part of the RFP responses for I-81.

Would you continue to make rail an integral part of transportation proposals as was the case with I-81?

TK: Yes.  The increased use of rail reduces traffic and increases safety.  Large freight trucks can cause congestion and worry other drivers.  Moving more freight to rail instead will reduce congestion and reduce fatal accidents on Virginia highways.  As Governor, I will continue to support including increased freight rail capacity as part of the Interstate 81 improvements.

Rail needs as those of other modes of transportation are immediate.  Waiting for questionable Constitutional outcomes is a concern. 

Does your transportation plan require waiting to move forward until a Constitutional amendment has been passed that protects the Transportation Trust Fund?

TK: No.  My plan provides the resources necessary for more immediate needs as well as long-term transportation planning.  As detailed previously, I will make over 1 billion new dollars available for transportation from dedicated insurance premiums taxes, agency streamlining and VDOT improvements to transportation needs.  I will also veto measures that would raid money from the Transportation Trust Fund.  At the same time, I will push for a Constitutional amendment to protect the Trust Fund from future raids.    

Amtrak served nearly one million Virginians last year and provided transportation for those who do not choose to use increasingly frustrating air service, do not drive, are elderly, handicapped, want to avoid highway congestion or simply prefer passenger rail, and find it more convenient for travel.  Virginia’s Congressional delegation, the Administration or other transportation leaders have not responded to the annual threat to eliminate or sharply reduce Amtrak funding that would, in effect, end inter-city passenger rail service.

As Governor, what could or would you do to help end the wearying and wasteful annual debate over Amtrak funding?

TK: Amtrak is a critical piece of Virginia’s transportation network, and I will strongly oppose any cuts to Amtrak funding or service in Virginia.  Despite constant rumors of Amtrak’s demise, Virginia’s leadership has fought for and maintained Amtrak service in the Commonwealth.

Democracy requires dedicated advocacy and consistent support for the causes we believe in.  I do not foresee a day when we will not have to advocate for Amtrak, or for rail funding, or for transportation reforms, just as we must continually advocate for education, for health care, and for public safety.