Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission

The meeting covered discussions and decisions related to major transportation projects in the Hampton Roads region. Key topics included the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT) expansion project, specifically focusing on procurement timelines, decision points over the next five to six months, and clarifying the critical path for the project, including funding resolutions and construction phases related to the trusses. Discussions also addressed the performance metrics of the reversible HOT lanes on I-64, noting operational efficiency and revenue generation, and updates on a current design-build project including pile driving and permitting for work in the river. There were also deliberations regarding traffic management strategies, such as tolling initiation points for the HOT lanes to avoid congestion near interchange areas, and maximizing existing facility investments.

The meeting included initial procedures such as attendance confirmation and approval of the agenda. Public comments addressed concerns regarding elected representation, information access from the City Manager, and local control over toll revenue versus state and federal jurisdiction over HOV lanes and new bridge projects. A significant portion of the discussion centered on transportation planning, specifically approving Alternative A Modified, which is a companion plan to finance transportation projects. This plan incorporates Alternative A of the SCE, supports the 2014 fiscally constrained long-range transportation plan, and aligns the Powerco Interchange project timeline with HR I-95 Bridge Phase 2. There were detailed discussions regarding the reallocation of $5 million previously allocated for the Hampton Roads Crossing SCE study, with proposals to allocate up to $7 million for further studies concerning projects like the VA 164/I-64 Connector and Patron's Crossing. Financial reports were presented, noting a flat balance of over $47 million as of September 30, 2016, and investment gains. Specific future project milestones were outlined, including the delivery of Peninsula segment projects and the High-Rise Bridge Tunnel by 2031.

The Finance Committee meeting initiated a public hearing concerning modifications and amendments to the 2016-2020 Four-Year Funding Plan. Key discussion points included the allocation of an additional five million dollars in Hampton Roads Transportation funds to support the UVC 110577 project. This additional funding is necessary to cover geotechnical survey administration and staff augmentation phase costs and to ensure the full allocated HRBT funds are spent by December 2018 to keep the project moving forward. The scope of work for the preferred alternative refinement remains unchanged. The committee confirmed that no one signed up to speak during the public hearing.

The discussions heavily focused on proposed bylaw changes for the HRTAC. Key topics included advocating for the creation of an HRTAC Citizen Advisory Committee, whose chair should have a seat at the deliberations table (preferably as a non-voting member). Concerns were raised regarding the selection process for this advisory committee, advocating for selection by lottery from a pool of applicants rather than demographic-based appointment. Further bylaw changes proposed electing commission officers annually for one-year terms, and structuring the chair/vice-chair succession based on county/city population size relative to 100,000 people, aiming to rotate the chair position. A speaker also strongly criticized the proposed financial report, citing exorbitant salaries and expressing suspicion regarding the selection of Town Bank for bonding authority due to alleged conflicts of interest. Another speaker emphasized the general public's burden from overwhelming taxes and reiterated the need for citizen input and fair representation.

The meeting involved public comments on several critical issues concerning the commission's operations and funding. Concerns raised included the need for a value-to-cost ratio for transportation funding projects, transparency regarding administrative fees, and the utilization of local tax money for building Route 460, especially given prior statements by the Governor. Speakers also addressed the lack of transparency in financial reports, demanding detailed documentation of expenditures, and questioned how significant administrative costs were incurred prior to the commission's official existence. Further discussion points revolved around citizen rights, including the duration allowed for public comment, challenges to the election of the vice chairman, and the need for documented voting records to ensure compliance with legal representation requirements (Senate Bill 513). Speakers proposed bylaw changes to mandate citizen representation in closed sessions concerning contract negotiations and to prevent the commission from evolving into another administrative body lacking accountability, such as SEPTSIS or HRTA. Concerns were also raised regarding toll issues on downtown tunnels leading to excess traffic on bridges and military highway, and the need for better communication regarding how citizens will be affected by this new layer of government.