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2002 SESSION

023771644
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 210
Offered January 11, 2002
Requesting the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to study the future of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.
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Patrons-- Bloxom; Senator: Rerras
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, over 67 million commercial and passenger vehicles have crossed the 17.6-mile-long Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel complex (CBBT) since it opened in 1964; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission operates the CBBT, which spans the Chesapeake Bay between Virginia Beach and Northampton County, on Virginia’s Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, there have been recent discussions of reducing the toll on the CBBT, which is currently $10 one-way for a passenger car, with no provision for a reduced commuter toll; and

WHEREAS, proponents of a commuter toll believe that it would bring much needed economic prosperity to the rural Eastern Shore; and

WHEREAS, opponents fear any toll reduction may lead to increased demand for services and natural resources, and a change in the quality of life, as the local population booms; and

WHEREAS, Accomack and Northampton Counties commissioned the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commuter Toll Impact Study to assess the repercussions of a reduced toll and to prepare reports regarding existing conditions, trends, assets, resources, and issues of concern; and

WHEREAS, the study was completed in late October 2001 and contained numerous findings and proposed strategies for the future; and

WHEREAS, it is appropriate for the General Assembly to examine such findings and proposals in order to determine the appropriate state role in the future of this important transportation link; and

WHEREAS, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission can revise the toll structure and revenue without requiring any public input; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission be requested to study the future of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

In conducting its study, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission shall examine the findings of the recently released Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Commuter Toll Impact Study, as well as any previous studies performed by the Virginia Department of Transportation or any other entity, and issue recommendations regarding the appropriate state role in determining the future of the CBBT.

All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission for this study, upon request.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission shall complete its work by November 30, 2002, and shall submit its written findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 2003 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.