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1994 SESSION

LD7027144
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 176
Offered January 25, 1994
Establishing a Dulles Airport Regional Economic Study Commission.
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Patrons--Callahan, Connally, Fisher, Harris, Hull, May, McClure, Mims, O'Brien, Plum and Scott; Senators: Gartlan, Howell and Waddell
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, the General Assembly finds there is a rapidly growing need for Virginia, and Northern Virginia in particular, to be engaged in long-term, strategic economic planning that would look to the kinds of economic development that will provide employment for present and future residents, a strong tax base, and adequate ground transportation, all combined with environmental safeguards to produce a high quality of life; and

WHEREAS, the recent unparalleled economic growth in the Dulles Airport region is now facing increased competition from areas seeking similar economic growth and vitality elsewhere in the United States and abroad; and

WHEREAS, nations, states, and regions are in increased and direct competition for trade and investment, and Virginia's local governments alone do not have the necessary resources, financial and otherwise, to meet this competition; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth and local governments must join with the private sector to form an integrated, public/private partnership to lay out a strategic economic development plan for the Dulles Airport region; and

WHEREAS, Northern Virginia's proximity to the National Capital, its progress over the last 15 years in advanced technology and higher education, the dramatic growth in population, and the sharp increase in passengers and cargo in Washington Dulles International Airport have produced unforeseen opportunities; and

WHEREAS, these opportunities may be enhanced in part by the expansion of George Mason University, the Northern Virginia Community College, and other Virginia higher educational institutions in Northern Virginia; by the work of the innovative Smithsonian Institution to Dulles Airport; the extension of the Dulles Toll Road to Leesburg; and recognition of the need for mass transit in the Dulles Corridor to Dulles Airport and for a Western Corridor or bypass to the west of Dulles Airport; and

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth has supported all of these endeavors, either through financial commitments or otherwise; and

WHEREAS, these projects have, to a large degree, been tied to the unique potential of Dulles Airport and its region as a balanced, integrated unit of air and surface transportation, of international trade, advanced technology, investment, and economic development for all of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, prudence dictates that such investments, whether by the Commonwealth, the federal government, or the private sector, should be protected and enhanced, both for the present and future, by an effective public/private partnership; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly further finds that economic development in a modern economy requires a high quality of life, and that Virginia's future demands that a reasonable balance be struck between economic growth in the narrow sense, and in its broader definition which includes quality education, a healthy population, and preservation of resources and of the general environment; and

WHEREAS, the General Assembly believes that the best approach to finding a balanced, financially sound solution to Virginia's unique opportunities is through the establishment of a study commission composed of appropriate representation from the state and local groups, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the Washington Airports Task Force, the Innovative Technology Authority, and the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That :

1. There be established a Dulles Airport Regional Economic Study Commission comprised of the following members: two members of the House of Delegates, appointed by the Speaker of the House; one member of the Senate, appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; the Secretary of Transportation; the Secretary of Commerce and Trade; the Presidents of George Mason University and the Northern Virginia Community College; the President of the University of Virginia or Virginia Polytechnic and State University or Virginia Commonwealth University; the President of the Innovative Technology Authority; the Chairman of the Virginia Aviation Board; the General Manager of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority; the Director of the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; the President or Chairman of the Washington Airports Task Force; the President of the Piedmont Environmental Council; the Chairmen of the Northern Virginia Planning District Commission and of the Northern Virginia Technology Council; a representative selected by the Northern Virginia Economic Development Coalition; the Executive Director of the Winchester/Frederick County Economic Development Commission; and two airline representatives selected by the airlines serving Dulles Airport, one representing a domestic air carrier and the other representing a foreign air carrier. One ex-officio representative shall be selected by each of the governing bodies of the Counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William, the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas and Manassas Park; and the Towns of Herndon, Leesburg and Vienna. The Secretaries of Commerce and Trade and of Transportation, as well as the Chairman of the Virginia Aviation Board, shall, on request from the Commission, arrange for staff support for the Commission from outside sources or from their departments or agencies.

2. The members of the Commission shall serve for a period of one year, or as the term of the Commission may be extended. Members of the Commission shall not be compensated but shall be reimbursed for their travel and out-of-pocket expenses. The Commission shall elect from its membership a Chairman and Vice Chairman. The Commission may appoint an Executive Director or equivalent staff resource who shall serve at the pleasure of the Commission, whose compensation shall be fixed by the Commission, and at a level to attract and retain a capable person with experience in strategic planning for economic development, both regionally and internationally.

3. The Commission is to conceive, develop and cause to be published for public comment a broad, strategic, fundable, long-term economic development plan for the Dulles Airport region. The primary object of the plan shall be to utilize to a maximum degree the unique potential of Dulles Airport and of the region it serves, as a balanced, integrated economic unit of transportation, international trade, finance, advanced technology, investment and economic development for all of Virginia, including adequate access for Virginia communities to Dulles Airport. In carrying out its study the Commission shall cooperate with the various departments and agencies of the Commonwealth, regional bodies and local governments in the Dulles Airport region; the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority: the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution; and, to the extent feasible, the agencies of the United States, of Maryland and of the District of Columbia. In its studies the Commission shall take into account the activities of existing agencies of government and the private sector, and shall avoid duplication of effort wherever possible. The Commission may establish one or more committees or advisory committees, either from its membership or otherwise, to assist in its work.

The Commission or the committees which it may establish are authorized to hold public hearings at such times and places as it or they may deem appropriate.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $ 12,950.

The Commission shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for processing legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.