Committee tables bill to change VDOT revenue‑sharing from biennial to annual after VDOT raises process concerns

A House transportation subcommittee on Jan. 28 heard testimony on HB 539, which would change VDOT’s revenue‑sharing program from a biennial to an annual funding cycle so localities could pursue matching funds and accelerate projects.

Sponsor and rationale: Delegate Hamilton presented the bill on behalf of Culpeper County, saying an annual cycle would better match available projects and shorten timelines, allowing localities to move ready projects sooner and avoid delays tied to a two‑year application rhythm.

VDOT explanation and estimate: Angel Dean of VDOT explained the biennial cycle was adopted in 2019 to reduce administrative burdens on localities; applications for revenue sharing are currently received in odd years with pre‑application work in alternate years and funds are typically allocated in years three and four of the six‑year improvement program. Dean said changing to an annual cycle would not change the current allocation years but could allow some funds to be moved sooner; VDOT also cautioned that an annual cycle could increase administrative burden and that the pre‑application process exists to help localities.

Local support and county impact: Tom Underwood, chair of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors, described local impacts — for example, the timing gap can leave newly built schools without immediate road upgrades — and urged the committee to reconsider timing to better serve rural localities.

Committee action: After discussion, the committee voted to lay HB 539 on the table (voice vote) to allow further consideration of the administrative and policy implications.

Next steps: The bill was tabled; sponsors and VDOT may work together to examine operational impacts before the committee considers the measure further.