Kaine Statement On Transportation Grants For The Port Of Virginia And City Of Richmond

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine released the following statement today on the Department of Transportation’s announcement of a $15 million Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) infrastructure grant to the Virginia Port Authority and a $24.9 million grant to the City of Richmond:

“I applaud today’s announcement of federal transportation grants for the Port of Virginia and the City of Richmond and commend the Governor for his leadership on this effort.  The Port grant will provide direct access from the Port to the interstate – creating jobs for a shovel-ready construction project, speeding deliveries of cargo from the Port, and taking truck traffic off local roads to reduce travel times for Hampton Roads commuters.  The Richmond grant will support a bus rapid transit project on Broad Street between Willow Lawn in Henrico County and Rocketts Landing in Richmond’s East End, reducing travel time by 39% and bolstering property values along the corridor.  From I-95 HOT lanes to Norfolk light rail to Dulles Corridor Metrorail, the Commonwealth has been on the vanguard of finding smart ways to encourage economic growth while alleviating congestion.  I have long sought to use all policy levers to reduce traffic and improve quality of life for Virginians.  Today’s news demonstrates that with thoughtful long-term transportation planning, we can reach commonsense solutions to reduce traffic in Virginia.”

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