On Sunday, the Virginian-Pilot published an op-ed by Brian that lays out a proven, common sense solution to our transportation crisis and one that doesn’t pile on costs at the gas pump.

Rather than increasing the gas tax, Brian’s op-ed proposes a 1-penny increase in the sales tax, much of which will come from the tourists and commerce that flows through Virginia.

Brian’s plan invests $1 billion in our statewide transportation infrastructure, with specific funds dedicated to Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads

More than one-third of the funds from this sales tax should be dedicated to the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for projects of regional significance, including new roadways, transit rail systems and our federal matching funds for Metro. This means the money will stay in Northern Virginia, and the decisions on how to use it will be made in Northern Virginia.

Nearly one-quarter of this investment should go directly to Hampton Roads for a series of major projects, many of which have already been identified through regional planning processes. This would relieve traffic congestion, ease cargo movement from the port and protect the ability for emergency evacuations.

The remaining funds - nearly half - should be invested in statewide road safety, repair and construction. We can fund vital new construction projects in every region of the commonwealth, including the Coalfields Expressway and I-73, as well as new rail and transit projects of statewide significance. A portion of the statewide funds should be earmarked for projects that will attract additional private dollars for transportation.

And Brian’s proposal isn’t just to throw money at the problem. Brian proposes creating an Office of Responsible Growth that will be responsible for helping statewide planning work together with local land-use policies to create a forward-looking transportation program that works.

To learn more about Brian’s transportation plan, read his op-ed in yesterday’s Virginian-Pilot.