Speaker Howell on passage of HB 2313 transportation bill

Virginia House of Delegates Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued the following statement Tuesday after the passage of House Bill 2313, Governor Bob McDonnell's long-term transportation funding plan:

"I am pleased the House of Delegates has advanced House Bill 2313, which lays the foundation for a long-term solution to Virginia's transportation funding needs.

"Transportation is perhaps the largest and most complex public policy challenge the Commonwealth has seen in a generation. I appreciate the support and good faith efforts of members on both sides of the aisle who have presented thoughtful ideas as we have worked to address this issue. In the days and weeks to come, I will continue to seek and will continue to need their input.

"We have made substantial progress on transportation this year. I believe we have the core parts of a plan that is economically and politically practical. And I am confident that we can work together to deliver the kind of result that Virginians want and deserve. I urge our colleagues in the Senate to adopt a measure and put this legislation into conference, so we can work on crafting a final bill that can pass both chambers."