Published on HamptonRoads.com | PilotOnline.com


Federal rail officials made one point abundantly clear in new guidance released last week: If Virginia wants federal dollars for higher-speed rail projects, it must demonstrate that there will be adequate state funding to operate the new passenger service.

It's a reasonable request, but like so many reasonable requests on transportation, it runs into Virginia's legislative reluctance to pay for the state's infrastructure needs.

President Barack Obama has earmarked $8 billion in the economic stimulus package for rail improvements. That's an enormous sum compared with previous years, but it could be spent 10 times over on projects being planned along the East and West coasts and in the Midwest.

The projects that will rise to the top of the priority list will be the ones that federal officials believe have the best chance of becoming reality. States willing to put up their own money will have an advantage in drawing down federal dollars.

If Virginia is going to compete for its fair portion of the funds, it must have a revenue source dedicated to rail operations.

With the deadline looming in October for most of Virginia's rail projects, it's too bad state lawmakers didn't think about the need for funding when they met last winter.

Actually, someone did think about it. Del. Shannon Valentine of Lynchburg filed a request for the well-respected Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to examine the state's long-term capital and operational funding needs and make recommendations for the 2010 General Assembly session.

Valentine is a Democrat, but her study request had the support of a bipartisan group of lawmakers. Nevertheless, a six-member legislative subcommittee tabled the proposal in an unrecorded voice vote.

It's not too late for legislators to rouse themselves and get moving on rail funding. Virginia already earmarks a portion of its car rental tax for rail construction needs.

That levy generates between $23 million and $25 million annually, and it puts Virginia ahead of many other states with no dedicated rail revenues. That amount or more will likely be needed for operational expenses each year. State rail officials will release cost estimates for passenger service to Hampton Roads in August or September.

Passenger rail improvements promise to boost Virginia's economy and reduce traffic congestion. Virginia's lawmakers should stop dithering and put this at the top of their priority list.