SEARCH SITE

VIRGINIA LAW PORTAL

SEARCHABLE DATABASES

ACROSS SESSIONS

Developed and maintained by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems.

2010 SESSION

10103873D
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 151
Offered January 13, 2010
Directing the Auditor of Public Accounts to conduct a financial audit of Norfolk's Light Rail project. Report.
----------

Patrons-- Miller, P.J., Alexander, Howell, A.T., Lewis and Spruill; Senator: Northam
----------
Referred to Committee on Rules
----------

WHEREAS, Norfolk's Light Rail project is a 7.4-mile, 11-station starter rail line with an initial price tag of $232 million; and

WHEREAS, the City of Norfolk is responsible for the startup costs for the project with financial assistance from both federal and state sources; and

WHEREAS, the Light Rail project is managed by the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads and serious concerns have been raised by the Commission members, the Norfolk City Council, and the public regarding cost overruns and lack of management oversight of the project, as the project is currently $108 million over budget with the operational date delayed for a second time, into early 2011; and

WHEREAS, there is substantial fear that there may be additional cost overruns before the project is completed; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Auditor of Public Accounts be directed to conduct a financial audit of Norfolk's Light Rail project. In performing the audit, the Auditor shall collect, receive and analyze data and information relating to all facets of the costs and construction of Norfolk's Light Rail project.

All agencies of the Commonwealth, the City of Norfolk and the Transportation District Commission of Hampton Roads shall provide assistance to the Auditor of Public Accounts in the conduct of this directive.

The Auditor of Public Accounts shall complete its audit by September 1, 2010, and shall submit to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems an executive summary of its findings and recommendations at that time. The executive summary shall state whether the Auditor intends to submit to the General Assembly and the Governor a report of its findings and recommendations for publication as a House or Senate document. The executive summary and report shall be submitted as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents and reports and shall be posted on the General Assembly's website.