Authority: Title 33.1, Code of Virginia.
A.1. Included in the amount for ground transportation system planning and research is no less than $4,000,000 the first year and no less than $4,000,000 the second year from the highway share of the Transportation Trust Fund for the planning and evaluation of options to address transportation needs.
2. In addition, the Commonwealth Transportation Board may approve the expenditures of up to $2,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year from the highway share of the Transportation Trust Fund for the following activities:
a. In the first year, $1,000,000 for the study of freight and the movement of goods throughout the Commonwealth. The study, as outlined in the April 2005 VTrans 2025 Action Plan, shall review and assess the Commonwealth's freight infrastructure and needs. The study will be federally funded to the maximum extent possible.
b. No less than $1,000,000 the first year and $1,000,000 the second year for the completion of advance activities, prior to the initiation of an individual project's design along existing highway corridors, to determine short-term and long-term improvements to the corridor. Such activities shall consider safety, access management, alternative modes, operations, and infrastructure improvements. Such funds shall be used, but are not limited to, the completion of activities prior to the initiation of an individual project's design or to benefit identification of needs throughout the state or the prioritization of those needs. For federally eligible activities, the activity or item shall be included in the Commonwealth Transportation Board's annual update of the Six-Year Improvement program so that (i) appropriate federal funds may be allocated and reimbursed for the activities and (ii) all requirements of the federal Statewide Transportation Improvement Program can be achieved.
3.a. The Office of Multimodalism shall recommend to the Commonwealth Transportation Board all allocations of such funds in this paragraph. The planning and evaluation may be conducted or managed by the Department of Transportation, Department of Rail and Public Transportation, or another qualified entity selected and/or approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board.
b. As part of its recommendations, the Office of Multimodalism shall ensure that for projects in micropolitan or metropolitan areas, as defined by the federal Office of Management and Budget, east of or adjacent to Route 29, priority shall be given to those local governments that complete a build-out analysis of their comprehensive plans and zoning. The build-out analysis shall include the total number of housing units and commercial development, transportation infrastructure needed to support that development, and the estimated cost of transportation infrastructure. The build-out report will be shared with the Regional Planning District Commissions (RC or PDC), Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPO), and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).