A collection of groups representing Virginia’s transportation construction industry called Gov. Bob McDonnell’s plan to use $500 million from privatizing the state’s liquor stores a “positive step” on Thursday.
“We believe the revenues from privatization represent a positive first step in building a plan for statewide transportation improvements,” the release from seven groups, including the Virginia Transportation Construction Alliance and several contractors associations, reads. “Doing so would enable Virginia to continue to offer a high quality of life both for its citizens and for the businesses that depend on a modern, efficient transportation network.”
The group’s announcement comes on the heels of a similarly tempered statement from the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and support from the Virginia Retail Merchants Association.
But McDonnell still faces an uphill climb to win the hearts and minds of others in the Commonwealth on the plan — some state legislators have remained wary since it was unveiled last week. A religious coalition has also coalesced in opposition.
