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Regional planner outlines South‑Central Transportation Authority proposal; Emporia could see $3.26M annually
Summary
Jay Ellington of the Crater Planning District Commission presented a proposal for a South‑Central Transportation Authority funded by a wholesale fuel tax and a 0.7% local sales tax; the proposal would be subject to General Assembly approval and Emporia’s participation is nonbinding at this study stage.
Jay Ellington, executive director of the Crater Planning District Commission, presented details of a proposed South‑Central Transportation Authority to Emporia City Council on April 21. Ellington said the authority would cover a multi‑jurisdiction Southside footprint and would aim to create dedicated regional transportation funding that local budgets and state allocations alone cannot provide.
Ellington described proposed funding sources including a wholesale tax on gasoline and diesel and an additional 0.7 percent local sales tax. Using current estimates, he said Emporia could generate roughly $3.26 million annually under the proposal, allocated approximately $1.79 million for local transportation projects, $1.14 million for regional projects and about $325,000 for public transit services. Ellington said the funds could be used as local match for VDOT projects and to accelerate projects such as Purdy Road drainage improvements.
City Manager William E. Johnson III told the council the city’s local share could fund transportation‑related projects including roadway improvements, drainage and expanded transit access to medical facilities. Council members asked questions about tax impacts, revenue distribution and governance; Mr. Ellington stressed that localities would retain board representation and that the proposal requires enabling legislation by the Virginia General Assembly and the governor’s approval before authority formation. Council discussed that the city’s earlier action only supported further study and that no commitment was required at this time.
During public comment resident Janee Bush expressed support for the authority and asked whether funding could be used to restore Amtrak service to Emporia; the presentation and discussion closed with no formal council action on formation or enrollment.
