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1994 SESSION

LD4769144
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 176
AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE
(Proposed by the House Committee on Rules
on February 9, 1994)
(Patron Prior to Substitute--Delegate Callahan)
Establishing a Dulles Airport Regional Economic Study Commission.

WHEREAS, there is a rapidly growing need for long-term, strategic economic planning in the Commonwealth, particularly in Northern Virginia, which would consider economic development initiatives that will provide employment for present and future residents, a strong tax base, and adequate ground transportation, together with environmental safeguards to produce a high quality of life; and

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

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

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth and local governments must collaborate with the private sector to form an integrated, public-private partnership to design a strategic economic development plan for the Dulles Airport region; and

WHEREAS, Northern Virginia's proximity to the nation's 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 public institutions of higher education in Northern Virginia; the proposed extension of the National Air and Space Museum of the 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 these endeavors financially and through other means; and

WHEREAS, to a large degree, these projects have been tied to the unique potential of Dulles Airport and its region as a balanced, integrated unit of air and surface transportation, 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, now and in the future, by an effective public-private partnership; and

WHEREAS, in a modern economy, economic development requires a high quality of life, and Virginia's future demands a reasonable balance between a narrow definition of economic growth and in its broader definition which includes quality education, a healthy population, and conservation of resources and environmental preservation; and

WHEREAS, it is believed that the best approach to determining a balanced, financially sound solution to Virginia's unique opportunities is through a study of the relevant issues by a study commission composed of representatives of state, federal, and local agencies and organizations; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a Dulles Airport Regional Economic Study Commission be established. The Commission shall consist of nineteen members to be appointed as follows: six members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House, four members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, and nine citizens to be appointed by the Governor, of whom one each shall represent the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the Piedmont Environmental Council, the Counties of Fairfax and Loudoun, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, the Washington Airports Task Force, the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution, the Innovative Technology Authority, and George Mason University.

The Commission shall also provide opportunities for participation and comment during the course of the study from representatives of relevant state and federal agencies; the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia; institutions of higher education, particularly in the Northern Virginia area; the Virginia Aviation Board; the Northern Virginia Planning District Commissions; the Northern Virginia Technology Council; the Northern Virginia Economic Development Coalition; the Winchester and Frederick County Economic Development Commission; airlines serving Dulles Airport, one representing a domestic air carrier and one representing a foreign air carrier; and the governing bodies of the Counties of Arlington and Prince William; the Cities of Alexandria, Fairfax, Falls Church, Fredericksburg, Manassas, and Manassas Park; and the Towns of Herndon, Leesburg, and Vienna.

The Commission is requested to develop and publish for public comment a broad, feasible, strategic, long-term economic development plan for the Dulles Airport region which (i) maximizes the utilization of the potentialities of the Dulles Airport and the surrounding areas which it serves, (ii) presents a balanced and integrated economic, transportation, international trade, finance, advanced technology, investment, and economic development unit for Virginia, and (iii) provides adequate access to Dulles Airport from localities throughout the state. In addition, the Commission shall consider in its deliberations the plans, initiatives, and current activities of local governments and the private sector to address this problem in order that fragmentation and duplication of efforts are avoided.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance, upon request, as the Commission 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 1995 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of 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.