HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/6/2000 - Special
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July 6, 2000
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Roanoke County Administration Center
5204 Bernard Drive
Roanoke, Virginia 24018
July 6, 2000
The Board of Supervisors of Roanoke County, Virginia, met this day at the
Roanoke County Administration Center, this being an adjourned meeting from June 27,
2000 for the purpose of a meeting with the Honorable Bob Goodlatte, United States
Congress.
IN RE:
CALL TO ORDER
Chairman McNamara called the meeting to order at 9:29 a.m. The roll call
was taken.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Chairman Joseph McNamara, Vice Chairman H. Odell "Fuzzy"
Minnix, Supervisors Joseph B. "Butch" Church
MEMBERS ABSENT:
Supervisors Bob L. Johnson (arrived at 9:32 a.m.), and Harry
C. Nickens
STAFF PRESENT:
Elmer C. Hodge, County Administrator; Paul M. Mahoney,
County Attorney; Mary H. Allen, Clerk to the Board; John M.
Chambliss, Assistant County Administrator, Dan O'Donnell,
Assistant County Administrator; Jill B. Barr, Community
Relations Director
INRE:
DISCUSSION WITH CONGRESSMAN GOODLA TIE
Chairman McNamara welcomed Congressman Goodlatte to the meeting.
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July 6, 2000
Congressman Goodlatte advised that he supported Interstate 73, but the route will be
determined by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. He felt that the route should be
the closest to Route 220, 1-581 and the Smart Road and should provide the greatest
economic development benefit. He expressed strong support for improvements to
Interstate 81. He reported that federal transportation funds to Virginia has increased by
about 65%, and he hoped that these funds will be spent on 1-81 improvements.
Congressman Goodlatte advised that he has been working to resolve
complaints from residents who have satellite dishes and are unable to get their local ABC,
NBC and CBS television stations, even those from larger cities. He supports legislation
that would allow putting the local stations on satellite so they could be broadcast back
down to the local market. The problem is that it is estimated by the satellite companies
that they would only reach the top 67 markets in the country and the Roanoke-Lynchburg
market is the 68th. He and Congressman Boucher are putting forth legislation that would
provide the Rural Utility Service to get a loan guarantee for a privately financed and
operated additional satellite market that would reach every other television market in the
Country. They are currently working out the minor differences between the House and
Senate legislation.
Supervisor Minnix asked about the high oil prices, why it takes so long for
decreases to reach the gasoline pumps, and whether the gas companies are gouging the
public. Congressman Goodlatte responded that Congress is conducting public hearings
and will take action if there are such violations. The original decision to cut back on oil
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July 6, 2000
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production was made in March 1999 because there was a surplus. There are two options:
(1) Cut or suspend the federal gas tax which could affect highway projects because these
funds are allocated to the Highway Trust Fund; or (2) tap into the petroleum reserves. He
would also be willing to look at off-share drilling.
Supervisor Johnson asked if the Congress would reauthorize Project Impact
which provided $500,000 for flood reduction. He emphasized the importance of this
program in relocating and assisting families who lived in the flood plain. Congressman
Goodlatte responded that he believed it has been reauthorized but will investigate further.
Supervisor McNamara explained that he felt federal road funding, especially
Interstate 73, is critical to the area. Supervisor Johnson asked how the Roanoke Valley
can make sure that federal funding is provided for transportation improvements to
Interstate 81. Congressman Goodlatte advised that the funds go to Richmond and the
state decides how the money will be spent, and informed the Board that the current
Chairman of Transportation Appropriation is from Northern Virginia, and while he does not
believe in earmarking funds, he believes strongly in short-term safety measures.
INRE:
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:01 a.m., Supervisor McNamara adjourned the meeting.
Respectfully submitted
~N.~
Mary H. AI en CMC/AAE
Clerk to the Board
Approved
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July 6, 2000
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