"There is confusion about how this authority will operate, what projects will actually be built, if there even are projects, what the projects are, how much they cost, when they will be built, and whether this untested taxing scheme is even legal" - Del. Robert G. Marshall

"Governor Warner is making promises about referendum projects he can't legally keep, and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is passing extra-legal resolutions that are confusing voters," Delegate Bob Marshall (R-13) said today referring to an October 2 letter from Chief Counsel to the Attorney General, Bernard McNamee.

In an effort to appease Referendum opponents, Governor Warner pulled the "Techway" bridge out of the Referendum language and told Arlington voters that I-66 will not be widened inside the Beltway with the November 5 Sales Tax Referendum funds.

"When the Chief Counsel to the Attorney General concludes that the law signed by the Governor authorizes the construction of projects 'not specifically set forth in Chapter 853 of the 2002 Acts of the Assembly,' the Governor may want to change his previous claims that a Techway Bridge or widening I-66 are not allowed by the referendum." Del. Marshall says. "Clearly Governor Warner has to do a lot of explaining to voters in Prince William, Loudoun, and across Northern Virginia, and he should do so before the November 5 referendum," says Marshall.

Marshall also cautioned voters, especially those in Arlington, that their representative on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority cannot block I-66 widening inside the Beltway if other Authority members want it widened. Quoting the Attorney General's Office, Del. Marshall says, "the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Act does not provide a mechanism for a single member jurisdiction on the Authority to 'veto' a project within its boundaries."

"There are well meaning people on the Authority. But they haven't even been in existence two months and they are already acting outside the law. What happens if we give them $5 billion on November 5th?" Del. Marshall asks. "The Governor is at odds with the Attorney General's Office, and the Authority is at odds with the law. Why should voters trust the Governor or a novel, hybrid government agency to make fair and reasonable decisions for all Northern Virginians? says Del. Marshall.

"There is confusion about how this authority will operate, what projects will actually be built, if there even are projects, what the projects are, how much they cost, when they will be built, and whether this untested taxing scheme is even legal" says Del. Marshall.

Delegate Robert G. Marshall (R-Manassas) represents residents of Loudoun and Prince William Counties in House District 13.