Tidewater Virginia, because of its unique geographical setting, has more bridges and tunnel facilities constructed from the proceeds of revenue bonds than any other part of the State. These bonds are paid entirely from tolls levied upon the users of the facilities. Realizing that these tolls place a substantial burden primarily upon the residents of the Tidewater area, the General Assembly of Virginia at its 1964 Regular Session saw the need for a review of the philosophy underlying revenue bond projects to determine whether the users, who also pay all other highway taxes, should be relieved, in whole or in part, of the burden of paying tolls on these facilities. Accordingly, the General Assembly adopted Senate Joint Resolution No. 50.

Pursuant to this resolution, Your Excellency appointed the following individuals as members of the Commission: Hunter B. Andrews, Attorney at Law and member of the Senate of Virginia, Hampton; Dr. Weldon Cooper, Director, Institute of Government, University of Virginia, Charlottesville; J. Travers Edwards, Insurance and Real Estate Broker, Smithfield; J. Clifford Hutt, Attorney at Law, Montross; Edwin R. MacKethan, Senior Vice-President and Senior Trust Officer, Virginia National Bank, Norfolk; Gene Paulette, Executive Vice-President, Bank of Middlesex, Urbanna; Walter E. Rogers, Attorney at Law, Richmond; Robert B. Smith, General Manager, Daily Press-Times Herald, Newport News; and S. Colston Snead, Jr., President, The Farmers National Bank, Salem. Senator Andrews was appointed Chairman of the Commission and Dr. Weldon Cooper was elected Vice-Chairman. John B. Boatwright, Jr. and Robert L. Masden were appointed Secretary and Recording Secretary, respectively, to the Commission.

Under the auspices of the State Highway Commission and the Toll Facilities Management, the members of the Commission were escorted on a tour of all toll facilities operated under the authority of the State Revenue Bond Act. In order to achieve a full appreciation of the construction, operation and maintenance costs and related problems on toll facilities throughout the State, the Commission also toured the Elizabeth River Tunnels, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and the Richmond-Petersburg Turnpike. See appendix for other facilities considered by the Commission.

The Commission sought the views and suggestions of all interested individuals, groups and organizations concerning the matters under study. After appropriate publicity, the Commission held two public hearings in the Tidewater area which were well attended. The Commission and its subcommittees also held several executive sessions.

With the assistance of Douglas B. Fugate, Commissioner, A. B. Eure, Director of Administration, and E. H. Orange, Toll Facilities Manager, Department of Highways, the Commission compiled a great deal of valuable information and material concerning the construction, operation and maintenance of the toll facilities presently operated under the State Revenue Bond Act, as well as other similar projects throughout the Commonwealth. The Commission also compiled information on the construction, operation and maintenance of toll facilities in contiguous states.

The Commission gave careful consideration to the information and material compiled, and the views expressed at the public hearings, and after thorough discussion and careful consideration, now makes its report to the Governor and the General Assembly.