PPEA/PPTA Bulletin - July 1, 2005

by Christopher D. Lloyd, McGuireWoods Consulting

1. Coalfields Expressway PPTA hits bumps after FHWA action

"Delays cost Virginia federal funds for Coalfields Expressway," Kingsport Times-News, June 24, 2005

"Boucher: Expressway funding can be saved," Bristol Herald Courier, June 28, 2005

2. Kaine outlines transportation platform

"The plan offers ways to manage transportation issues but gives no funding details," The Roanoke Times, June 24, 2005

3. HOT Lanes supported as helping to ease DC traffic woes

"Lane Gains," Washington Post, June 24, 2005

4. Georgia 316 project getting renewed attention

"Ga. 316 toll road plan 'likely alive and well," Atlanta Journal-Constitution, June 27, 2005

5. Study shows UVA-Wise housing need exists, PPEA potential solution

"A feasibility study has established a clear demand for student housing near the University of Virginia's College at Wise campus," Coalfield.com, June 21, 2005

6. Kaine and Kilgore offer contrasting views on boosting transportation

"Governor Hopefuls Offer Differing Ideas for Va.'s Transportation Quandary," Washington Post, June 26, 2005

"Kaine, Kilgore Talk Transportation Plans," Washington Post, July 1, 2005

7. Foreign firms eye acquisition of Pocahontas Parkway

"Overseas firms want rights to road," Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 28, 2005

8. Spotsylvania Board reviews competing HOT lanes proposals

"Firms tout interstate HOT lanes Featured Advertiser," The Free Lance-Star, June 29, 2005

9. Privatizing road construction questioned

"Why should private companies make money on roads?" The Free Lance-Star, June 30, 2005

10. Transportation promises panned

"Highway plans fall far short," The Virginian-Pilot, June 30, 2005

11. Is foreign investment key to solving Virginia's transportation crisis?

"Australia to the rescue?" Daily Press, June 30, 2005

12. Feds release report analyzing environmental review process for transportation

The following is a report from the Congressional Research Service comparing the environmental streamlining process proposed in the competing federal transportation reauthorization bills: Streamlining Environmental Reviews of Highway and Transit Projects: Analysis of TEA-LU (H.R. 3) and SAFETEA (S. 732) [PDF document]

13. Clarke creates panel to review potential PPEA bids

"New CCHS Committee Approved By Jessica Sabbath," The Winchester Star, July 1, 2005 

14. AAA endorses HOT Lanes

"The Bias Built Into 'Lexus Lanes'," Washington Post, July 1, 2005

15. Comments sought on draft PPEA guidelines

For the past six weeks, a working group was been meeting to develop proposed amendments to the Model PPEA Guidelines to reflect recent legislative changes. The following draft is now out for public comment. Comments are due August 15.

Public-Private Education Facilities and Infrastructure Act of 2002 (Public Comment Draft) [Word document]

Notice of Public Comment [Word document]