VAA Virginia Asphalt Fall/Winter 2021

VAASPHALT.ORG 09 GETTING TO KNOW VIRGINIA’S SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION Balanced Mix Design [BMD]). High recycled content, better options for more locally avail- able materials and expanded use of waste and marginal materials are all likely benefits of BMD that contribute to greener system management. Without actual in-service performance history or reliable methods to predict that performance, many opportuni- ties are best explored through carefully mon- itored trials—something Virginia is very well equipped to support. If the time comes when legislation is deter- mined to be appropriate, such as targeting the resources necessary to manage pave- ment assets to service levels that minimize emissions while they are being used, it could be valuable. VAA→ During your time as secretary, you have seen many challenges as well as new opportunities. While the challenges brought forth from COVID are hopefully once in a lifetime, Virginia’s transportation program moved forward. In terms of funding, money was identified for I-81 and other interstates, the Central Virginia Transportation Authority was established and ded- icated funds in the general budget were allocated. Clearly, Virginia has a firmer funding foundation moving forward. What is the great- est challenge and opportunity for Virginia’s future program? VALENTINE→ During my term, our team has made significant progress toward addressing the sustainability of transpor- tation funding. The Governor’s Omnibus Transportation legislation, created from a yearlong Sustainability Study with a diverse group of stakeholders, built a bridge to the future of transportation funding. Research- ing the impact of fuel efficient and electric vehicles, which we all support, we found the Commonwealth was facing a funding gap in the gas tax revenue collections. With that information as our base, the Omnibus bill restructured revenue sources, indexed the gas tax to CPI, created the Highway Use Fee (HUF) and established the Commonwealth Transportation Fund, stabilizing funding across all modes. During the pandemic, we worked with Gov- ernor Northam and the General Assembly to create and pass a budget amendment that provided flexibility to the Common- wealth Transportation Board (CTB) over the biennium budget that enabled the board to put every dollar to work. As a result, Virginia was able to avoid delaying projects, canceling contracts and laying off workers. Moving forward, transportation will be implementing the programs within the Omnibus, including funding for Special Structures for the first time in Virginia’s his- tory, developing the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority and rolling out the Interstate Operations and Enhancement Program. As we look ahead, we will continue improv- ing and integrating our unparalleled trans- portation system that includes the third largest state-maintained highway system in the country, rail, transit, Metro, the Port of Virginia, VA Space, 1600 miles of trails and 66 airports—for the purpose of continuing to build a world-class transportation net- work—which is the platform for Virginia’s economy. VAA→ Any other thoughts you would like to share with our readers? VALENTINE→ When I was appointed to this position, I shared the principles with my team upon which I believed our secretariat would be measured. There were three: 1. Execution: Executing with excellence and integrity across all modes of transport is foundational to who we are and what we do; 2. Tying transportation decisions to eco- nomic development and opportunity for all people by supporting workforce, expanding commerce and prioritizing access and equity; 3. And finally, innovation: Not just in tech- nology and applications, but in how we think, solve problems and, with limited resources, improve safety, promote sus- tainability and enhance the quality of all of our lives. Over these past nearly four years, I have had the privilege and the pleasure of working with the best team in government. They embraced these principles and exceeded every expectation. VAA→ What is one thing people who do not know you will find interesting? VALENTINE→ I love to fly fish. I am not what anyone would consider “good” at it. As the 1924 writer and angler Zane Grey wrote, “If I fished only to capture fish, my fishing trips would have ended long ago.” For me, there is something about putting on waders and standing in the middle of a beautiful mountain stream. The water, the practice, the solitude, the complete concen- tration allow me to set aside all of the worries of the world—and just be in the world. Over these past nearly four years, I have had the privilege and the pleasure of working with the best team in government.