NVTA Mimics Google To Help Plead It’s Case

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) seems to be mimicking Google in their latest tactic to gain support for congestion relief.

Similar to Google driving around and videotaping streets across the country, the NVTA is asking residents to create orignial content videos of their commute and upload them to a special NVTA You Tube channel.

The idea is to show legislators just how much traffic congestion affects residents’ daily lives.

Here is the NVTA press release:

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Update #2 To Grantor’s Tax Refunds

This just in from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) regarding Grantor’s Tax (Congestion Relief Tax) refunds:

"Some news media outlets are reporting that it will take “three years to refund monies” collected by NVTA.

This is INCORRECT and a misinterpretation of the memo posted on the NVTA web site.

While it may be challenging to track down SOME taxpayers, it can be done and will be done within a few months.

For those rare cases when we will not be able to track a taxpayer down, the law requires that any UNCLAIMED monies be held in trust for up to three years and if unclaimed will, by law, revert to Virginia’s Literacy Fund. 

It will NOT take three years to refund this money. Taxpayers have up to three years to claim monies if they are not automatically refunded.

Please adjust your reports immediately.  Reporting inaccurate information is unnecessarily upsetting residents and taxpayers. 

We continue to ask that taxpayers be patient, hold onto their receipts and wait for further instructions which will come soon."

Related Articles:

NVTA To Stop Collecting Grantor’s Tax and Fees Effective Immediately

Update To Grantor’s Tax Refunds

Official Press Release From NVTA Regarding Today’s Court Ruling

Grantor’s Tax Update – Court Rules NVTA Taxing Powers Unconstitutional

NVTA To Stop Collecting Grantor’s Tax and Fees Effective Immediately

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) just announced this morning that they will no longer be collecting taxes and fees, including the higher Grantor’s Tax, effective immediately. They are instructing people not to contact the NVTA for refunds at this time. Once they have the refund process and staff in place, they will announce the procedures at that time.

Whether this means that the clerks of the courts will stop collecting them is another story. As of yesterday, they were not told by the Attorney General to stop collecting the higher Grantor’s Tax from sellers and were continuing to do so. And there is still a 10 day appeal process available to the NVTA.

UPDATE: In light of this decision, Loudoun County’s Clerk of the Court will no longer collect the regional transportation grantor’s tax effective today, March 4, 2008. The Clerk’s office is awaiting a response from the NVTA regarding the announcement of refund procedures for grantors taxes collected since January 1st, 2008.

Here is the official press release from the NVTA:

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Update to Grantors Tax Refunds

We gave instructions on how to get your money back if you paid the extra grantors tax in this post.  We have found out that there will be at least a ten day hold on processing these refunds due to an appeals process with the state of Virginia Supreme Court.  So don’t try and get your money just yet.  We will keep you posted.

Official Press Release From NVTA Regarding Today’s Court Ruling

As many of you know, the VA Supreme Court today ruled that the taxing powers given to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) were unconstitutional. Well, here is the official press release from the NVTA on the matter:

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Grantor’s Tax Update – Court Rules NVTA Taxing Powers Unconstitutional

Today, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional the taxing powers given to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA). This gives serious doubt as to whether the Grantor’s Tax will remain in effect. The Grantor’s Tax was increased by 500% beginning January 1, 2008 as part of the NVTA’s plan.

Governor Tim Kaine and the Virginia General Assembly originally empowered the NVTA to collect specific taxes in Northern Virginia to spend on transportation improvements in the region. Part of these taxes included the "Grantor’s Tax" paid by home owners when selling their homes.

The NVTA went to an Arlington court to confirm its authority to sell bonds against the increased tax revenue that would be collected. Loudoun County immediately jumped in to oppose the NVTA.

The case then made its way up to the Virginia Supreme Court, which heard arguments on January 8, 2008 and ruled on it today.

Those who settled between January 1, 2008 and today can contact the NVTA to request a refund on their Grantor’s Tax.

For the actual VA Supreme Court ruling, click here.

UPDATE: If you sold your home after December 31, 2007 and paid the higher Grantor’s Tax rate ($5 per $1000), you may request a refund. For more information on how to do so, click here.

Partial Source: Loudoun Easterner

Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Approves Six-Year Plan

Here’s the official press release from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority regarding approval of their Six-Year Plan and John Mason being appointed Executive Director:

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PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

January 11, 2008
 

NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY
UNANIMOUSLY APPROVES SIX-YEAR PLAN

Authority officially appoints John Mason as its First Executive Director

NORTHERN VIRGINIA – The members of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) unanimously approved the Authority’s Six-Year Plan, following a Public Hearing, at its first meeting of 2008.

Over 60 people attended the Public Hearing at George Mason High School in Falls Church, Virginia. Approximately 21 people spoke and provided feedback to the Authority members on the proposed $93.3 million for each fiscal year of projects in the plan, which includes FY 2009 and FY 2010. 

The approved list of projects features a combination of roadway, transit, pedestrian and bicycle improvements.  Funding of $206 million for FY08 – FY10 for Metro & VRE combined is also included in the six-year plan. 

“We are doing what we said we would do, delivering real solutions and making smart investments in transportation for Northern Virginia.  Approval of this plan is an important step for the Authority in solving our region’s traffic woes,” said Chris Zimmerman, Authority Chairman. 

Roadway improvements include:

·         Route 3000 (Prince William County Parkway) Widening between Old Bridge and Minnieville;
·         Route 15 Road Widening (Evergreen Mill Rd to Leesburg);
·         Route 7 Widening from Rolling Holly Drive to Reston Parkway & Route 7/Route 659 Interchange;
·         Mulligan Road (Old Mill Rd Connector Road) [Fort Belvoir BRAC Related];
·         Route 1 Widening (Prince William Co.) from Featherstone Road to Joplin Road;
·         Route 28 Grade Separation Overpass (B-Line and Wellington Rd)

Transit improvement projects include:

·         Columbia Pike Streetcar;
·         I-66/Vienna Metrorail Accessibility & Capacity Improvements;
·         Rosslyn (Metro) Station Access Improvements;
·         Transit Development Plan (Fairfax Connector); and
·         Capital Improvements -76 Buses, Facilities, and Service.

For a full list of the projects please visit: http://thenovaauthority.org/PDFs/Meetings/2008/1.10.08/Six%20Year%20Plan%20Projects%20121807.pdf

Mason Officially Appointed as Executive Director

The Authority also voted unanimously to appoint John Mason as Executive Director and formally approved his contract.   

“With John Mason taking on this important role, this is yet another integral step forward for the Authority,” said Authority Chairman Chris Zimmerman (Arlington Co.)

John Mason has worked for Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) since 1978, serving as vice president and director of the Transportation Policy and Analysis Center. 

Mason served on the City of Fairfax’s city council from 1986 – 1990 and served as that city’s mayor from 1990 to 2002.  In addition to his service to the City of Fairfax, Mason has served on the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB), including a year as chairman in 2001; the Transportation Coordinating Council (TCC) of Northern Virginia; the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC), including a year as chairman in 1993; the Virginia Municipal League Transportation Committee; the Governor’s Commission on Rail Enhancement for the 21st Century; and the Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (AMPO), serving as chairman in 2000. 

“I am honored to be appointed as the Authority’s first Executive Director.  I am eager to see that we begin to deliver what we’ve promised to Northern Virginians: to work toward fixing the region’s transportation problems with targeted transportation improvements and wise investments.  From day one the Authority has been open, transparent and inclusive I will work to maintain this.  The Authority’s members believe that by working together with the public, businesses, local governments and planning agencies we can make smart investments that have real impact on Northern Virginia’s congestion challenges,” said Mason.

Kala L. Quintana
Director of Public Outreach, Northern Virginia Transportation Commission
Interim Public Information Officer, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority

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D

Virginia Supreme Court Hears Arguments Against Increased “Grantor’s Tax”

The Virginia Supreme Court will hear arguments today in the case of the new transportation taxes (aka increased "Grantor’s Tax") set by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA).

NVTA Vice Chairman is "fairly confident that the NVTA is going to prevail". But Loudoun County Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling) says that “If the General Assembly has the constitutional power to delegate taxing authority to unelected officials, this will be a record and a precedent for the state of Virginia”.

Here’s an excerpt from the full article:

"The Virginia Supreme Court is set to consider the $335 million constitutional battle over the legality of Northern Virginia’s new transportation taxes today in Richmond.

The state’s highest judicial panel will address lingering legal questions about whether the General Assembly has the power to direct the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority to collect seven new taxes and fees for long-needed transit projects.

Loudoun County and several Republican politicians challenged the NVTA’s powers to tax and borrow that took effect Jan. 1, saying only elected officials have that authority."

Source: LoudounExtra.com

Public Hearing On Northern Virginia Transportation Authority’s Future Projects

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 10, 2008 to get the public’s feedback on their proposed plan and projects for fiscal years 2008 to 2010. Here’s the official notice with more information:

"Notice of Public Hearing – January 10, 2008 – Northern Virginia Transportation Authority

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) will hold a public hearing on Thursday, January 10, 2008, at 6 p.m., at George Mason High School Auditorium, 7124 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA, to solicit feedback from the public on NVTA’s proposed initial Six Year Plan for Fiscal Years (FY) 2008 to FY 2010. The projects included in the Program are funded using 60 percent of revenue collected and retained by NVTA. These projects are a mix of highway, transit, bicycle, pedestrian and multimodal projects. They also include funding for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). Specific information regarding the projects is posted on NVTA’s website: www.TheNoVaAuthority.org.

The Authority will begin hearing comments at 6 p.m., or shortly thereafter. Individuals may speak a maximum of 3 minutes and organizations a maximum of 5 minutes. The deadline for submission of speaker slips is 7 p.m. Written comments submitted up to 5 p.m. on December 31, 2007, will be distributed to NVTA members in advance of the hearing. Materials received after that date, up to 3 p.m. on January 9, 2008, will be distributed to members after the meeting. Comments may be submitted by U.S. mail c/o Christopher Zimmerman, Chairman, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, 2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 300, Arlington, VA 22201, or by email to TheAuthority@TheNoVaAuthority.org. For more information, visit the NVTA website at www.TheNoVaAuthority.org.

For ADA accomodations only, email Isequeira@arlingtonva.us or call 703-228-3130 or call the Virginia Relay Center 1-866-246-9300 (TTY) or 711, by 5 p.m. on Friday, January 4, 2008."

On a side note, NVTA to appoint John Mason as Authority’s first  Executive Director. Authority members will vote formally to approve Mr. Mason’s contract during their regular meeting on January 10, 2008.

Virginia Circuit Court Rules In Favor of NVTA and Increase In Grantor’s Tax

Based on a press release we obtained today from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), it looks like another hurdle has been cleared in order to increase the Grantor’s Tax and other fees in the region. Today, Virginia Circuit Court Judge Benjamin N.A. Kendrick ruled in favor of the NVTA and the Commonwealth of Virginia on all counts of a suit filed on July 13, 2007. In doing so, he also denied the motions and counterclaims of the intervening defendants.

In plain English, this is a fairly big blow to those opposed to the increase in the Virginia Grantor’s Tax and the NVTA plan in general. And one of the only courses of action left is to file an appeal with the Virginia Supreme Court within 15 days.

In case you’d like to read the fine print, here’s a copy of the press realease:

      PRESS RELEASE

      For Immediate Release

      August 28, 2007

      

      Contact:  Kala Quintana

            703/ 524-3322 ext. 104

   kala@nvtdc.org

CIRCUIT COURT UPHOLDS NEW REVENUES FOR THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA – Today, Judge Benjamin N.A. Kendrick ruled in favor of the  Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and the Commonwealth of Virginia on all counts in the Bond Validation suit filed on July 13, 2007. In doing so, he denied the motions and the counterclaims of the intervening defendants which include Delegate Bob Marshall (R-13) and others.

Judge Kendrick issued judgments on the following claims by the intervening defendants: 

• Violation of Single Object Rule;
• Unlawful Delegation of Taxing Authority by the General Assembly;
• Pledging Full Faith and Credit of the Commonwealth; and
• Revenues must be paid into the State Treasury.

Judge Kendrick’s ruling included the following holdings:

• HB 3202 did not violate the single object rule which requires that each piece of legislation relate to a single subject.

• The General Assembly had the power to delegate the imposition of the taxes and fees to NVTA.

• NVTA is an independent political subdivision created for a special purpose, not a local or regional unit of general government; therefore, certain sections of the Virginia Constitution that apply to units of general government, such as requiring a referendum before the issuance of bonds, do not apply.

• NVTA’s bonds are not debt of the Commonwealth or any of the local governments.

Through his ruling, Judge Kendrick determined the validity of a number of things, including:

• The bonds NVTA plans to issue;
• The proceedings NVTA undertook to authorize the bonds;
• The intended uses of the proceeds from the sale of the bonds; and
• The taxes and fees imposed by NVTA that will go to repay the bonds.

The intervening defendants have 15 days from entry of a final order to note an appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia, followed by an expedited briefing schedule.  The final order is anticipated to be entered later this week.

“The Authority is pleased with Judge Kendrick’s ruling today.  We anticipate the intervening defendants in this case to appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia.  We look forward to having this issue resolved to the benefit of the citizens of Northern Virginia,” said Chris Zimmerman (Arlington), Chairman of the Authority.   

Mr. Zimmerman also reaffirmed that the Authority continues to work toward implementation of the new taxes and fees, to finalize the 22 “ready-to-go” projects, and begin development of a full six-year plan to be funded with the new revenues.   

“Northern Virginians want solutions to the traffic and the gridlock, and the Authority is moving ahead with its work.   We look forward to utilizing the tools that the General Assembly has made available to the Authority and to provide the real transportation solutions that Northern Virginians expect,” said Zimmerman.

The Arlington County Circuit Court ruling affirms the Authority’s ability to issue bonds and levy the seven taxes and fees authorized by the General Assembly in the Comprehensive Transportation and Funding Reform Act of 2007. The revenues will result in over $300 million annually in new transportation funding for Northern Virginia. 

At its July 12, 2007 meeting the Authority approved 22 “ready-to-go” transit, roadway and pedestrian improvements totaling $102 million which would be funded by the initial bond issuance.

Court minutes of the proceedings will be posted to the Authority’s web site as soon as they are available at: www.TheNoVaAuthority.org.

The seven regional taxes and fees are:

• 2% Transient Occupancy Tax
• Grantor’s Tax of 40 Cents
• 2% Tax on Vehicle Rentals
• Safety Inspection Fee of $10
• Initial Vehicle Registration Fee of 1%
• 5% Sales Tax on Auto Repair
• Regional Vehicle Registration Fee of $10

The NVTA jurisdictions also have the option of raising additional revenues locally.  Each of the localities may choose to impose one of the following revenue sources:

• Local Vehicle Registration Fee
• Additional Commercial Real Estate Tax
• Impact Fees on new development

NVTA Who’s Who

The voting members of the Authority include:

Hon. Christopher Zimmerman  NVTA Chairman; Arlington County

Hon. Martin Nohe    NVTA Vice Chairman; Prince William County

Hon. Gerry Connolly    Fairfax County

Hon. Scott York    Loudoun County

Hon. William D. Euille   City of Alexandria

Hon. Robert F. Lederer   City of Fairfax

Hon. David F. Snyder   City of Falls Church

Hon. Harry J. “Hal” Parrish, II  City of Manassas

Hon. Bryan Polk    City of Manassas Park

Hon. Jeff Frederick    Virginia House of Delegates

Hon. Vince Callahan   Virginia House of Delegates

Hon. Jeanne-Marie Devolites-Davis Virginia Senate

Julia A. “Judy” Connally   Governor’s Appointee, CTB Member

Margaret Vanderhye   Governor’s Appointee

Non-voting members:

Matthew O. Tucker    Director, DRPT

Dennis Morrison    Administrator, Northern District Office, VDOT

For more information, contact the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority by going to www.TheNoVaAuthority.org.

## NVTA ##