Kaine to VDOT: Shut up and sail

by Cortney Langley, reprinted by permission from The Virginia Gazette, originally published Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

The governor instructed VDOT to maintain 24-hour service at the ferries, and for free.
Photo by The Virginia Gazette.

RICHMOND — In a sharp slap, Gov. Tim Kaine ordered VDOT to preserve the Jamestown Ferry while demanding review of the security contract.

“First, we will continue to provide service 24 hours a day,” Kaine wrote in a letter Monday to Del. Bill Barlow (D-64th). “Second, we will not impose a toll for the provision of the service.

“Third, [VDOT] will pursue clarification of security requirements that are costly in service at the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry but have shown to be of limited merit when actually implemented.

“Fourth, [VDOT] will also aggressively pursue federal funding for new ferry equipment.”

His statement checks off nearly every item on the wish list of passengers, boat crews, activists and politicians.

VDOT’s proposal was to save $1.9 million by idling eight hours, cutting the summer fleet by one and reallocating funds for a new ferry.

Barlow wrote to Kaine last month, likening the ferry reductions to a bridge closure since the ferry links the two sides of a primary state highway, Route 31.

Critics countered that VDOT should dump the $1.6 million private security contract as overkill. Ferry security is federally mandated by the Maritime Security Transportation Act but paid for by the state.

Kaine apparently took Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer and Commonwealth Transportation commissioner David Ekern to the woodshed.

“I have made clear to them that the Commonwealth will maintain the Jamestown-Scotland Ferry service,” Kaine wrote.

“I think it’s great that the governor was so responsive to everyone,” said James City county administrator Sandy Wanner, who first floated the idea of jettisoning security to save the 24-hour service.

“A lot of people sent so much information and ideas on how critical this service was, of people going to work and people going for med services,” Wanner added. “This is a critical transportation link.”

Aside from Barlow, other politicians piled on, among them Del. Brenda Pogge (R-96th), Del. Phil Hamilton (R-93rd) and Sen. Tommy Norment (R-3rd).

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance also argued the cuts would hurt tourism and industry here.

“The Alliance, as the representative of local business, appreciates Governor

Kaine’s commitment to maintain the ferry’s free, 24-hour service, which thousands of people involved in our region’s hospitality, tourism and healthcare fields rely on every day,” said president Dick Schreiber. “It is also gratifying to see that collaborative efforts by private organizations and individuals working together with local officials can be effective in influencing public policy.”

The Commonwealth Transportation Board is expected to review VDOT’s plan and Kaine’s short list May 20. Since the board is appointed by Kaine, his recommendations are expected to fly.

Hampton Roads Transportation Board rep E. Dana Dickens III, who has also been an advocate, said a number of members favor maintaining the ferry schedule.

“I welcome the governor’s support,” Dickens said.

Kaine cautioned that cuts elsewhere may be imminent and put in a dig on reluctant Republicans.

“As your letter also points out, we do not sufficiently fund our transportation system,” Kaine wrote to Barlow. “Together, we have acknowledged this fact in six legislative sessions in the last three years and we have increased our annual financial commitment to rail and transit.