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2001 SESSION

019087444
SENATE BILL NO. 1326
Offered January 12, 2001
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 33.1 a section numbered 33.1-223.2:5, relating to evaluation of new highway capacity by Virginia Department of Transportation.
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Patrons-- Houck, Chichester and Couric; Delegates: Baskerville, Marshall, Pollard and Ware
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Referred to Committee on Transportation
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 15 of Chapter 1 of Title 33.1 a section numbered 33.1-223.2:5 as follows:

§ 33.1-223.2:5. Evaluating effectiveness and impact of new highway capacity.

The Department of Transportation shall evaluate the effectiveness and impact of all proposed new highways, new lanes added to existing highways, and new interchanges, wherever such proposed projects are estimated to cost $20 million or more by modeling and forecasting the traffic and land-use impacts of such projects. Traffic impacts to be studied shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the additional number of vehicle trips and vehicle miles driven that the new facility will generate, inducing drivers to use the new facility instead of alternative transportation modes or alternative routes, or by changing development patterns. Land-use impacts shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the new facility's impact on the pace and location of new development and population distribution, which can result in the need for additional school, sewer, and transportation infrastructure. The Department shall conduct the evaluations required by this section during the preliminary engineering phase of a project, and shall conduct them in conjunction with other review processes applicable to all proposed projects whenever possible. The Department shall report the results of its modeling and forecasts under this section to the Commonwealth Transportation Board and to the governing body of all affected counties, cities, and towns.