Pursuant to an act passed by the 1962 Session of the General Assembly, a commission was created to study and report on matters relating to the Department of Highways. This commission submitted its report to the 1964 General Assembly, and among its recommendations was a recommendation that a further study be made of the Urban Highway Construction, Improvement and Maintenance Program.

Senate Joint Resolution No. 32 was introduced on February 10, 1964, to carry out this recommendation.

Although the Senate Joint Resolution No. 32 was not adopted by the General Assembly, the Governor felt this was a matter of sufficient importance to warrant a study and directed the Virginia Advisory Legislative Council to make a study of problems that may exist with respect to the urban highway program, and to submit its report and recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly prior to the 1966 legislative session, including the following guidelines:

1. What urban places should participate in the urban system program?

2. What proportion of total highway funds should be allocated to the urban system?

3. Is the present 85-15 per centum construction cost ratio equitable?

4. Is the present system of maintenance payments on a mileage basis equitable, or should it be based on some other formula?

5. How should the arterial system be financed and developed through cities and towns?

6. What should be done with respect to streets and highways within the limits of municipalities .which are completely rural in nature?

In compliance with the Governor's request, the Council undertook the study and soon realized that professional assistance would be needed to complete the study. At the request of the Council, the consulting firm of Roy Jorgensen and Associates, a firm with a national reputation in this field, was employed by the Department of Highways to make a study and submit recommendations directly to the Council.

After reviewing and considering the report of the Consultants and all information submitted by the Department of Highways and other interested persons, we now submit our recommendations.