Chief Patron: Marshall R.
Limit VDOT Maint. to Non-Expansion

Item 489 #2h

Language
Page 357, line 49, strike "$962,310,694" and insert "$769,848,556".
Page 357, line 49, strike "$960,132,893" and insert "$768,106,365".
Page 357, line 50, strike "$236,146,769" and insert "$188,917,416".
Page 357, line 50, strike "$234,775,159" and insert "$187,820,128".
Page 357, line 51, strike "$321,771,627" and insert "$257,417,302".
Page 357, line 51, strike "$321,518,830" and insert "$257,215,064".
Page 357, line 52, strike "$404,392,298" and insert "$323,513,840".
Page 357, line 52, strike "$403,838,904" and insert "$323,071,116".
Page 358, after line 4, insert:
"B. For purposes of this item, "maintenance" means the work, materials, and use of equipment necessary to repair the ordinary wear and tear on highway assets and to keep such assets in a condition to assure the safety of the traveling public, but the term "maintenance" shall not encompass the enlargement, improvement or replacement of highways, bridges and other highway assets.  The Commissioner shall develop standardized assessments of the maintenance needs of highways, streets, and bridges in counties, cities and towns that receive funding from the Commonwealth for the maintenance of such facilities.  The Commissioner shall develop and implement, to the maximum extent feasible, a strategy to assure that all maintenance performed with funds authorized by this item is undertaken in the most cost effective manner.  In implementing such strategy, the Commissioner shall take into consideration all reasonable public and private alternatives.  Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Commissioner is authorized to contract with private contractors or any combination of private contractors for maintenance of highway assets in accordance with procedures that are consistent with procurement through "competitive sealed bidding" as defined in § 2.2-4301 and subsection b of § 2.2-4310 of the Code of Virginia."

Explanation
(This amendment reduces Commonwealth Transportation funds available to VDOT for maintenance activities by $192 million each year and directs the Department to limit its maintenance activities to such actions that do not result in the enlargement of any highways or bridges. A companion amendment to Item 488 transfers these funds to VDOT's construction program.)