Eventually we are going to have to come up with a new means of funding transportation other then the fuel tax. As more drivers buy things like the Chevy Volt, they are going to escape paying their fair share for road maintenance.

But for the time being an increase in the fuel tax accomplishes killing two birds with one stone. It provides additional revenue for road maintenance and construction and encourages adoption of alternative energy sources for transportation.

If a toll is put on the “third crossing” less then maximum alleviation of congestion at the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel will result. Drivers who might have been motivated to take the third crossing will stick to the existing route to avoid the toll.

McDonnell’s plans for meeting our transportation needs goes over like a lead balloon with me though. His plans for Hampton Roads seems to be heavily reliant on tollroads.