04-21-1997 Minutes COMMUNITY MEETING
RICHMOND METROPOLITAN AUTHORITY ("RMA") PLANS TO
RAISE TOLLS ON THE POWHITE PARKWAY AND DOWNTOWN EXPRESSWAY
MINUTES
April 21, 1997
Supervisors in Attendance:
Mr. Arthur S. Warren, Chairman
Mrs. Renny B. Humphrey, Vice Chrm.
Mr. Edward B. Barber
Others in Attendance:
Senator Stephen Martin
Delegate John Watkins
Mr. Reade Goode, RMA
Mr. Mike Berry, RMA
Mr. Charles Foster, RMA
Mr. Bradford Hammer,
Management Services
Mr. Steven Micas,
County Attorney
Mr. John McCracken,
Dir. of Transportation
Mr. Warren called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at Monacan
High School Auditorium and introduced the members of the Board
of Supervisors and the Richmond Metropolitan Authority ("RMA").
Senator Martin explained his position in opposition to
increasing tolls to reduce congestion. Mr. Foster, senior
member of RMA, explained the history of RMA. Mr. Berry,
Executive Director of RMA explained the RMA's proposal to build
fast-toll express lanes and why a fifteen cent toll increase
was necessary to pay the cost of this new facility.
A number of citizens spoke opposing any toll increase and
suggested alternative proposals as well as difference funding
schemes to eliminate all tolls. Several speakers spoke in
support of a toll increase to fund faster toll collection.
Delegate Watkins spoke in favor of increasing Chesterfield's
membership on RMA and suggested other alternatives to the
proposed fifteen cent toll increase.
Mr. Barber suggested that the RMA delay any decision on the
toll increase and, instead, adopt the 1994 plan to accelerate
toll collection with a toll increase.
The meeting generally adjourned at 9:54 p.m. to the next
regularly scheduled Board of Supervisors on April 23, 1997.
La~ B. -Ramsey~
AY t~
Chairman
97-280
4/21/97