Richmond Metropolitan Authority (RMA); powers and duties of Authority. (HB544)

Introduced By

Del. Sam Nixon (R-Richmond) with support from co-patrons Del. Lee Ware (R-Powhatan), and Sen. Steve Martin (R-Chesterfield)

Progress

Introduced
Passed Committee
Passed House
Passed Senate
Signed by Governor
Became Law

Description

Composition of RMA Board. Revises the composition of the Board of Directors of the Richmond Metropolitan Authority (RMA). Read the Bill »

Outcome

Bill Has Failed

History

DateAction
01/07/2008Committee
01/07/2008Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/09/08 088325656
01/07/2008Referred to Committee on Transportation
01/31/2008Reported from Transportation with substitute (13-Y 9-N) (see vote tally)
01/31/2008Committee substitute printed 083535656-H1
02/01/2008Read first time
02/04/2008Read second time
02/04/2008Committee substitute agreed to 083535656-H1
02/04/2008Engrossed by House - committee substitute (52-Y 42-N 1-A) HB544H1
02/04/2008VOTE: --- ENGROSSMENT (52-Y 42-N 1-A) (see vote tally)
02/05/2008Read third time and passed House (55-Y 42-N 1-A)
02/05/2008VOTE: --- PASSAGE (55-Y 42-N 1-A) (see vote tally)
02/05/2008Communicated to Senate
02/06/2008Constitutional reading dispensed
02/06/2008Referred to Committee on Local Government
02/26/2008Continued to 2009 in Local Government (9-Y 6-N)

Comments

Joe Cacciotti writes:

As a county resident, I have been very vocal opposing any Chesterfield County funds contributing to [a proposed new Richmond Braves ballpark (The Diamond) located in the City of Richmond] based on concerns involving the unfair voting practice Chesterfield and Henrico currently have within the Richmond Metropolitan Authority (RMA) board which controls and manages The Diamond.

The RMA board has 11 voting members: Richmond (6), Chesterfield (2), Henrico (2) and the Commonwealth Transportation Board (1), which was authorized by the Virginia General Assembly in 1966.

Where is the fairness to Chesterfield and Henrico if they are outnumbered before any RMA board vote is taken? The city will win every time.

Issues passed by the RMA board requiring the counties' cooperation must be approved by the counties' board of supervisors. However, if any one of the counties do not approve the RMA board actions, [it] can be construed that a county is not willing to have regional cooperation.

Since 1973, users of the RMA Expressway have paid $300 million plus in tolls, as stated in a JLARC 1991 Report Summary. This figure is more than likely over $600 million by now. I am very sure a major portion of those tolls were paid by Chesterfield County residents for a road system that cost approximately $25 million to build in the early 70s.

Since the 1970s, the RMA has expanded its role to include parking decks within the city, the purchase of the Boulevard Bridge, The Diamond, operation of Main Street Station and advertising space at the RMA toll booths. All are income generators that benefit Richmond and not the surrounding areas.

HB 544 needs to pass in order to be fair to all parties regardless of the RMA owing the City of Richmond $47 million plus which is required to be paid back no matter how many voting members are on the RMA Board.