Governor-elect Bob McDonnell has announced that he will not introduce legislation this General Assembly session to create new funding for Virginia's transportation system. Many legislators were taken aback given that he campaigned on a transportation plan that would provide new revenue and give a much-needed infusion of funding to cash-strapped regions. This comes as a blow to northern Virginia and Hampton Roads, the two most congested regions in the state. According to the Washington Post, he will, however, pursue several transportation items that do not involve substantial funding: re-opening 18 rest stops, raising the speed limit on portions of rural interstates, forging partnerships with the private sector and issuing bonds approved in 2007. He is likely to undergo criticism for his decision, but McDonnell does not believe that seeking new revenue during a General Assembly session that is focused on a $4 billion shortfall is conducive to reaching consensus with a Democratic Senate and a Republican House.  Homeowners should be prepared for few, if any, transportation improvements given the significant cuts that will take place as a result of Virginia's massive budget shortfall.

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