Gov. Kaine Plans 100 Amendments to Transportation Bill

By Tom Holden, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.

Mar. 20–NORFOLK — Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said today that he will propose over 100 amendments to the huge transportation bill approved by the General Assembly earlier this month.

Despite those changes, many of which are technical, Kaine insisted that his goal is to “make a deal” with assembly leaders that addresses concerns of local and state government officials. “I won’t sign a bill that’s a bad one,” Kaine said after an address to the Hampton Roads Partnership, a business and civic group. “If I can see through to amendments that will close gaps between the parties and do measurable good, that’s my goal.

“My amendments will show that is my intent and my work between next Monday and April 4 is to get people on board,” he said.

Kaine is expected to unveil his amendments on Monday.

The bill contains three major provisions that address transportation needs in Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads and across Virginia.

The regional plans have been welcomed as a good start, but criticized for not raising enough money to achieve the region’s goals.

Similar complaints have been lodged against the statewide portion of the plan

— Reach Tom Holden at (757) 446-2331 or tom.holden@pilotonline.com

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Copyright (c) 2007, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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