Background:
Mister Chairman and Members of the Board, the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) is currently developing its FY 2024-2029 Six Year Improvement Program (SYIP). This year’s SYIP update will include funding for various transportation programs, including transit, state of good repair, and funds allocated through the Smart Scale process. Other programs, such as Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternatives are allocated through the SYIP in even-numbered years. The draft SYIP was released on April 19, 2023, and the CTB is expected to adopt the SYIP in June. As in past years, public meetings are being held across Virginia for the public to comment on the program. The Northern Virginia District meeting occurred on May 1, 2023, and comments can also be submitted in writing through May 24, 2023.
The Board has generally provided testimony and/or substantial comments in support of County projects that are being considered for Smart Scale or other programs. County staff is recommending the Board provide a similar letter this year (attached). The letter focuses on three issues:
Funded Projects: The letter thanks the Commonwealth for including funding for various projects and programs in the Draft SYIP. This includes, but is not limited to, approximately $26.4 million in operating assistance for the Fairfax Connector, $37.7 million for various transit capital projects; and $675,000 for transportation demand management programs. The Draft SYIP also includes $14.1 million in state operating and capital assistance for the Virginia Railway Express and $209.7 million in operating and capital assistance for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. The draft also thanks the Commonwealth for including additional funding for projects in the Richmond Highway Corridor
Smart Scale: The Board endorsed a list of projects for submission in July 2022, and the staff submitted applications in the fall. Project scores were released In January, and no Fairfax County projects were recommended for funding. Further, no projects in Northern Virginia were recommended for statewide High Priority Projects funding. The letter notes concerns about the scoring process, particularly in relation to the cost factors.
Revenue Sharing and Transportation Alternatives Programs: The CTB is currently considering administrative changes to both programs. The letter, notes support of providing a limit on the number of transportation alternative applications per cycle, but voices concerns about limiting the amount of transportation alternatives funding that can be placed on one transportation alternative project in its lifetime. The letter also includes the recommendation that no significant changes be made Revenue Sharing, as there have already been numerous changes to this program over the past several years.
Motion:
Therefore, I move that the Board of Supervisors: approve the attached letter providing comments on the Commonwealth’s draft FY 2024-2029 SYIP to be sent to the Virginia Secretary of Transportation as part of the public comment record on behalf of Fairfax County.