Virginia Law

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Board" means the Commonwealth Transportation Board, or if the Commonwealth Transportation Board is abolished, any board, commission, or officer succeeding to the principal functions thereof or upon whom the powers given by this chapter to the Board shall be given by law.

"Cost of the project," as applied to a project to be acquired by purchase or by condemnation, includes:

1. The purchase price or the amount of the award;

2. The cost of improvements, financing charges, and interest during any period of disuse before completion of improvements;

3. The cost of traffic estimates and of engineering data;

4. The cost of engineering and legal expenses;

5. The cost of plans, specifications and surveys, and estimates of cost and of revenues; and

6. Other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the enterprises, administrative expenses, and such other expenses as may be necessary or incident to the financing authorized in this chapter and the acquisition of the project and the placing of the project in operation.

"Cost of the project," as applied to a project to be constructed, includes:

1. The cost of construction;

2. The cost of all lands, properties, rights, easements, and franchises acquired that are deemed necessary for such construction;

3. The cost of acquiring by purchase or condemnation any ferry that is deemed by the Board to be competitive with any bridge to be constructed;

4. The cost of all machinery and equipment;

5. The cost of financing charges and interest prior to construction, during construction, and for one year after completion of construction;

6. The cost of traffic estimates and of engineering data;

7. The cost of engineering and legal expenses;

8. The cost of plans, specifications and surveys, estimates of cost and of revenues; and

9. Other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of the enterprise, administrative expenses, and such other expenses as may be necessary or incident to the financing authorized in this chapter, the construction of the project, the placing of the project in operation, and the condemnation of property necessary for such construction and operation.

"Improvements" means those repairs to, replacements of, additions to, and betterments of a project acquired by purchase or by condemnation as are deemed necessary to place it in a safe and efficient condition for the use of the public, if such repairs, replacements, additions, and betterments are ordered prior to the sale of any bonds for the acquisition of such project.

"Owner" includes all individuals, incorporated companies, partnerships, societies, and associations having any title or interest in any property rights, easements, or franchises authorized to be acquired by this chapter.

"Project" means any one or more of the following:

1. The York River Bridges, extending from a point within Yorktown in York County or within York County across the York River to Gloucester Point or some point in Gloucester County.

2. The Rappahannock River Bridge, extending from Greys Point, or its vicinity, in Middlesex County, across the Rappahannock River to a point in the vicinity of White Stone, in Lancaster County, or at some other feasible point in the general vicinity of the two respective points.

3. The James River Bridge, from a point at or near Jamestown, in James City County, across the James River to a point in Surry County.

4. The James River, Chuckatuck, and Nansemond River Bridges, together with necessary connecting roads, in the Cities of Newport News and Suffolk and the County of Isle of Wight.

5. The Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel or Bridge and Tunnel System, extending from a point or points in the Cities of Newport News and Hampton on the northwest shore of Hampton Roads across Hampton Roads to a point or points in the City of Norfolk or Suffolk on the southeast shore of Hampton Roads.

6. Interstate 264, extending from a point in the vicinity of the intersection of Interstate 64 and U.S. Route 58 at Norfolk to some feasible point between London Bridge and U.S. Route 60.

7. The Henrico-James River Bridge, extending from a point on the eastern shore of the James River in Henrico County to a point on the western shore, between Falling Creek and Bells Road interchanges of Interstate 95; however, the project shall be deemed to include all property, rights, easements, and franchises relating to this project and deemed necessary or convenient for its operation, including its approaches.

8. The limited access highway between the Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport area and the Newport News downtown area, which generally runs parallel to tracks of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad.

9. Transportation improvements in the Dulles Corridor, with an eastern terminus of the East Falls Church Metrorail station at Interstate 66 and a western terminus of Virginia Route 772 in Loudoun County, including without limitation the Dulles Toll Road; the Dulles Access Road; outer roadways adjacent or parallel thereto; mass transit, including rail; bus rapid transit; and capacity-enhancing treatments such as high-occupancy vehicle lanes, high-occupancy toll lanes, interchange improvements, commuter parking lots, and other transportation management strategies.

10. Subject to the limitations and approvals of § 33.2-1712, any other highway for a primary highway transportation improvement district or transportation service district that the Board has agreed to finance under a contract with any such district or any other alternative mechanism for generation of local revenues for specific funding of a project satisfactory to the Board, the financing for which is to be secured by Transportation Trust Fund revenues under any appropriation made by the General Assembly for that purpose and payable first from revenues received under such contract or other local funding source; second, to the extent required, from funds appropriated and allocated, pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law, to the highway construction district in which the project is located or to the county or counties in which the project is located; and third, to the extent required from other legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund and from any other available source of funds.

11. The U.S. Route 58 Corridor Development Program projects as defined in §§ 33.2-2300 and 33.2-2301.

12. The Northern Virginia Transportation District Program as defined in §§ 33.2-2400 and 33.2-2401.

13. Any program for highways or mass transit or transportation facilities endorsed by the affected localities, which agree that certain distributions of state recordation taxes will be dedicated and used for the payment of any bonds or other obligations, including interest thereon, the proceeds of which were used to pay the cost of the program. Any such program shall be referred to as a "Transportation Improvement Program."

14. Any project designated by the General Assembly financed in whole or part through the issuance of Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Highway Reimbursement Anticipation Notes.

15. Any project authorized by the General Assembly financed in whole or in part by funds from the Priority Transportation Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1527 or from the proceeds of bonds whose debt service is paid in whole or in part by funds from such Fund.

16. Any project identified by the Board to be financed in whole or in part through the issuance of Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Transportation Grant Anticipation Revenue Notes.

17. The Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Program projects as defined in §§ 33.2-3600 and 33.2-3602.

18. Railroad and other infrastructure improvements leading into Washington, D.C., from Virginia and new Metrorail-related improvements to, and serving, the Rosslyn Metrorail station in Arlington County.

"Revenues" includes tolls and any other moneys received or pledged by the Board pursuant to this chapter, including legally available Transportation Trust Fund revenues and any federal highway reimbursements and any other federal highway assistance received by the Commonwealth.

"Toll project" means a project financed in whole or in part through the issuance of revenue bonds that are secured by toll revenues generated by the project.

"Undertaking" means all of the projects authorized to be acquired or constructed under this chapter.

Code 1950, § 33-228; 1950, p. 145; 1954, c. 578; 1956, c. 158; 1962, c. 273; 1964, c. 558; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-268; 1972, c. 2; 1974, cc. 52, 297; 1982, c. 261; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13; 1988, cc. 844, 903; 1989, Sp. Sess., cc. 9, 11; 1990, c. 710; 1991, cc. 666, 713; 1993, cc. 391, 793; 1994, cc. 520, 589; 1995, c. 354; 2000, cc. 1019, 1044; 2004, c. 807; 2007, c. 896; 2011, cc. 830, 868; 2014, c. 805; 2020, cc. 1230, 1275.

The Board may, subject to the provisions of this chapter:

1. Acquire by purchase or by condemnation, construct, improve, operate, and maintain any one or more of the projects mentioned and included in the undertaking as defined in § 33.2-1700;

2. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Toll Revenue Bonds," payable from earnings and from any other available sources of funds, to pay the cost of such projects;

3. Subject to the limitations and approvals of § 33.2-1712, issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Contract Revenue Bonds," secured by Transportation Trust Fund revenues under a payment agreement between the Board and the Treasury Board, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly and payable first from revenues received pursuant to contracts with a primary highway transportation improvement district or transportation service district or other local revenue sources for which specific funding of any such bonds may be authorized by law; second, to the extent required, from funds appropriated and allocated, pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law, to the highway construction district in which the project to be financed is located or to the county or counties in which the project to be financed is located; and third, to the extent required, from other legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund and from any other available source of funds;

4. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Revenue Bonds," secured (i) by revenues received from the U.S. Route 58 Corridor Development Fund, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly; (ii) to the extent required, from revenues legally available from the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) to the extent required, from any other legally available funds that have been appropriated by the General Assembly;

5. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Revenue Bonds," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from revenues received from the Northern Virginia Transportation District Fund; (ii) to the extent required, from funds appropriated and allocated, pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law, to the highway construction district in which the project to be financed is located or to the city or county in which the project to be financed is located; (iii) to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iv) from such other funds that may be appropriated by the General Assembly;

6. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Program Revenue Bonds," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from any revenues received from any Set-aside Fund established by the General Assembly pursuant to § 58.1-816.1; (ii) to the extent required, from revenues received pursuant to any contract with a locality or any alternative mechanism for generation of local revenues for specific funding of a project satisfactory to the Board; (iii) to the extent required, from funds appropriated and allocated, pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law, to the highway construction district in which the project to be financed is located or to the city or county in which the project to be financed is located; (iv) to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (v) from such other funds that may be appropriated by the General Assembly. No bonds for any project shall be issued under the authority of this subdivision unless such project is specifically included in a bill or resolution passed by the General Assembly;

7. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Program Revenue Bonds," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from any revenues received from the Commonwealth Transit Capital Fund established by the General Assembly pursuant to § 33.2-1526.2; (ii) to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) from such other funds that may be appropriated by the General Assembly. No bonds for any project shall be issued under the authority of this subdivision unless such project is specifically included in a bill or resolution passed by the General Assembly;

8. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Highway Reimbursement Anticipation Notes," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from any federal highway reimbursements and any other federal highway assistance received by the Commonwealth; (ii) then, at the discretion of the Board, to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) then from such other funds, if any, that are designated by the General Assembly for such purpose;

9. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Credit Assistance Revenue Bonds," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, solely from revenues with respect to or generated by the project being financed thereby and any tolls or other revenues pledged by the Board as security therefor and in accordance with the applicable federal credit assistance authorized with respect to such project by the U.S. Department of Transportation;

10. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Capital Projects Revenue Bonds," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) from the revenues deposited into the Priority Transportation Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1527; (ii) to the extent required, from revenues legally available from the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) to the extent required, from any other legally available funds;

11. Issue grant anticipation notes of the Commonwealth from time to time to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Transportation Grant Anticipation Revenue Notes," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from the project-specific reimbursements pursuant to § 33.2-1520; (ii) then, at the discretion of the Board, to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) then from such other funds, if any, that are designated by the General Assembly for such purpose;

12. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Interstate 81 Program Revenue Bonds," secured, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, by revenues received from the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Fund from deposits thereto pursuant to § 58.1-2299.20 derived from the receipt of the regional fuels tax levied pursuant to § 58.1-2295;

13. Fix and collect tolls and other charges for the use of such projects or to refinance the cost of such projects;

14. Construct grade separations at intersections of any projects with public highways, railways, or streets and adjust the lines and grades thereof so as to accommodate the same to the design of such grade separations, the cost of such grade separations and any damage incurred in adjusting the lines and grades of such highways, railways, or streets to be ascertained and paid by the Board as a part of the cost of the project;

15. Vacate or change the location of any portion of any public highway and reconstruct the same at such new location as the Board deems most favorable for the project and of substantially the same type and in as good condition as the original highway, the cost of such reconstruction and any damage incurred in vacating or changing the location thereof to be ascertained and paid by the Board as a part of the cost of the project. Any public highway vacated or relocated by the Board shall be vacated or relocated in the manner provided by law for the vacation or relocation of public highways, and any damages awarded on account thereof may be paid by the Board as a part of the cost of the project;

16. Make reasonable regulations for the installation, construction, maintenance, repair, renewal, and relocation of pipes, mains, sewers, conduits, cables, wires, towers, poles, and other equipment and appliances, referred to in this subdivision as "public utility facilities," of the Commonwealth and of any locality, political subdivision, public utility, or public service corporation owning or operating the same in, on, along, over, or under the project. Whenever the Board determines that it is necessary that any such public utility facilities should be relocated or removed, the Commonwealth or such locality, political subdivision, public utility, or public service corporation shall relocate or remove the same in accordance with the order of the Board. The cost and expense of such relocation or removal, including the cost of installing such public utility facilities in a new location or locations, the cost of any lands or any rights or interests in lands, and any other rights acquired to accomplish such relocation or removal, shall be ascertained by the Board.

On any toll project, the Board shall pay the cost and expense of relocation or removal as a part of the cost of the project for those public utility facilities owned or operated by the Commonwealth or such locality, political subdivision, public utility, or public service corporation. On all other projects under this chapter, the Board shall pay the cost and expense of relocation or removal as a part of the cost of the project for those public utility facilities owned or operated by the Commonwealth or such locality or political subdivision. The Commonwealth or such locality, political subdivision, public utility, or public service corporation may maintain and operate such public utility facilities with the necessary appurtenances in the new location for as long a period and upon the same terms and conditions as it had the right to maintain and operate such public utility facilities in their former location;

17. Acquire by the exercise of the power of eminent domain any lands, property, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, and other property, including public lands, parks, playgrounds, reservations, highways, or parkways, or parts thereof or rights therein, of any locality or political subdivision, deemed necessary or convenient for the construction or the efficient operation of the project or necessary in the restoration, replacement, or relocation of public or private property damaged or destroyed.

The cost of such projects shall be paid solely from the proceeds of Commonwealth of Virginia Toll or Transportation Contract Revenue Bonds or a combination thereof or from such proceeds and from any grant or contribution that may be made thereto pursuant to the provisions of this chapter;

18. Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, the Board shall be authorized to exercise the powers conferred in this chapter, in addition to its general powers to acquire rights-of-way and to construct, operate, and maintain state highways, with respect to any project that the General Assembly has authorized or may hereafter authorize to be financed in whole or in part through the issuance of bonds of the Commonwealth pursuant to the provisions of Article X, Section 9 (c) of the Constitution of Virginia;

19. Enter into any agreements or take such other actions as the Board determines in connection with applying for or obtaining any federal credit assistance, including without limitation loan guarantees and lines of credit, pursuant to authorization from the U.S. Department of Transportation with respect to any project included in the Commonwealth's long-range transportation plan and the approved State Transportation Improvement Program; and

20. Issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth to be known and designated as "Commonwealth of Virginia Passenger Rail Facilities Bonds," secured, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly from net revenues resulting from tolls, rates, fees, and charges for or in connection with the use, occupancy, and services of the Transform 66 Inside the Beltway express lanes project and remaining after payment of expenses incurred in operating such project's toll facilities.

Code 1950, § 33-229; 1954, c. 319; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-269; 1982, c. 403; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13; 1988, cc. 844, 903; 1989, Sp. Sess., cc. 9, 11; 1990, c. 710; 1991, cc. 666, 713; 1993, cc. 391, 793; 1994, cc. 233, 520, 589, 662; 1995, c. 354; 1996, cc. 23, 143; 1999, c. 898; 2000, cc. 1019, 1044; 2004, c. 807; 2007, c. 896; 2011, cc. 830, 868; 2013, c. 639; 2014, c. 805; 2020, cc. 1230, 1275.

The Board shall acquire or construct, under the provisions of this chapter, each of the projects included in the undertaking at the earliest dates deemed by the Board to be feasible for the acquisition or construction of each project and its financing under this chapter.

Code 1950, § 33-230; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-270; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13; 2014, c. 805.

The Board may acquire by purchase, whenever it deems such purchase expedient, any of the projects set forth in the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700, upon such terms and at such prices as may be reasonable and can be agreed upon between the Board and the owner thereof, title thereto to be taken in the name of the Commonwealth. The Board shall issue revenue bonds of the Commonwealth as provided in this chapter to pay the cost of such acquisition.

Code 1950, § 33-231; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-271; 2014, c. 805.

A. Whenever a reasonable price cannot be agreed upon or whenever the owner is legally incapacitated, absent, unable to convey valid title, or unknown, the Board may acquire by condemnation any project contemplated by § 33.2-1703 or interest therein and any lands, rights, easements, franchises, and other property deemed necessary or convenient for the improvement or the efficient operation of any project acquired or constructed under this chapter, or for the purpose of constructing any project or portion thereof pursuant to this chapter, or for securing a right-of-way leading to any such project or its approaches, in the manner provided in this chapter. Such condemnation proceedings shall be conducted and the compensation to be paid shall be ascertained and paid in the manner provided by law with reference to the condemnation of property by the Board for state highway purposes.

B. Title to any property condemned by the Board shall be taken in the name of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth shall be under no obligation to accept and pay for any property condemned or any cost incidental to any condemnation proceedings and shall not pay for the same except from the funds provided by this chapter; and in any condemnation proceedings, the court having jurisdiction of the suit, action, or proceeding may make such orders as may be just to the Commonwealth and to the owners of the property to be condemned and may require an undertaking or other security to secure such owners against any loss or damage to be sustained by reason of the failure of the Commonwealth to accept and pay for the property, but such undertaking or security shall impose no liability upon the Commonwealth, except such as may be paid from the funds provided under the authority of this chapter, provided that condemnation shall not lie in any case when the Commonwealth, in granting a franchise to any project named in this chapter, has stipulated the terms upon which it may acquire such project.

Code 1950, § 33-232; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-272; 1991, cc. 666, 713; 1993, c. 793; 2014, c. 805.

The Board, at or before the time any such project is acquired by purchase or by condemnation, shall determine what repairs, replacements, additions, or betterments will be necessary to place the project in safe and efficient condition for the use of the public and shall cause an estimate of the cost of such improvement to be made. The Board shall authorize such improvements before the sale of any revenue bonds for the acquisition of such project, and the cost of such improvements shall be paid for out of the proceeds of such bonds.

Code 1950, § 33-233; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-273; 2014, c. 805.

The Board may construct, whenever it deems such construction expedient, any of the projects set forth in the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700. The Board may purchase within the Commonwealth, solely from funds provided under the authority of this chapter, such lands, structures, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, and other interests in lands, including lands under water and riparian rights of any person, partnership, association, railroad or other corporation, or municipality or political subdivision, deemed necessary for the construction of any project, upon such terms and at such prices as may be considered by it to be reasonable and can be agreed upon between it and the owner thereof and may take title thereto in the name of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth hereby consents to the use of all lands lying under water that are within the Commonwealth and are necessary for the construction and operation of any project and the approaches and appurtenances thereto that may be constructed under the provisions of this chapter. All public or private property damaged or destroyed in carrying out the powers granted hereunder shall be restored or repaired and placed in the original condition, as nearly as practicable, or adequate compensation made therefor, out of funds provided under the authority of this chapter.

Code 1950, § 33-234; 1950, p. 147; 1962, c. 273; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-274; 2014, c. 805.

Upon the letting of a contract for the construction of a project under the provisions of this chapter, the Board shall proceed with the construction of any highways that may be necessary to connect the project with state highways in the Commonwealth and to complete the construction of the connecting highways on or before the date the project is opened for traffic.

Code 1950, § 33-235; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-275; 2014, c. 805.

The Board may provide by resolution, at one time or from time to time, for the issuance of revenue bonds, notes, or other revenue obligations of the Commonwealth for the purpose of paying all or any part of the cost, as defined in § 33.2-1700, of any one or more projects, as defined in § 33.2-1700. The principal or purchase price of, and redemption premium, if any, and interest on such obligations shall be payable solely from the special funds herein provided for such payment. For the purposes of this section, "special funds" includes any funds established for Commonwealth of Virginia Toll Revenue Bonds, Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Contract Revenue Bonds, Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Revenue Bonds, Commonwealth of Virginia Interstate 81 Program Revenue Bonds, Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Highway Reimbursement Anticipation Notes, or Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Transportation Grant Anticipation Revenue Notes, or Commonwealth of Virginia Passenger Rail Facilities Bonds.

Code 1950, § 33-236; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-276; 1988, cc. 844, 903; 1989, Sp. Sess., cc. 9, 11; 2000, cc. 1019, 1044; 2011, cc. 830, 868; 2014, c. 805; 2020, cc. 1230, 1275.

A. Commonwealth of Virginia Toll Revenue Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided therefor from tolls and revenues pursuant to this chapter, from bond proceeds or earnings thereon, and from any other available sources of funds. All such bonds shall state on their face that the Commonwealth is not obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon except from the special fund provided therefor from tolls and revenues under this chapter, from bond proceeds or earnings thereon, and from any other available sources of funds, and that the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth are not pledged to the payment of the principal or interest of such bonds. The issuance of such revenue bonds under the provisions of this chapter shall not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the Commonwealth to levy or to pledge any form of taxation whatever therefor or to make any appropriation for their payment, other than appropriate available funds derived as revenues from tolls and charges under this chapter or derived from bond proceeds or earnings thereon and from any other available sources of funds.

B. Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Contract Revenue Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided therefor pursuant to this chapter (i) from revenues received pursuant to contracts with a primary highway transportation district or transportation service district or any other alternative mechanism for generation of local revenues for specific funding of a project satisfactory to the Board; (ii) to the extent required, from funds appropriated and allocated, pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law, to the highway construction district in which the project to be financed is located or to the county or counties in which such project is located; (iii) from bond proceeds or earnings thereon; (iv) to the extent required, from other legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (v) from any other available source of funds. All such bonds shall state on their face that the Commonwealth is not obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon except from revenues in clauses (i) and (iii) and that the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth are not pledged to the payment of the principal and interest of such bonds. The issuance of such revenue bonds under the provisions of this chapter shall not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the Commonwealth to levy or to pledge any form of taxation whatever or to make any appropriation for their payment, other than to appropriate available funds derived as revenues under this chapter from the sources set forth in clauses (i) and (iii). Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to obligate the General Assembly to make any appropriation of the funds set forth in clause (ii) or (iv) for payment of such bonds.

C. Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Revenue Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided therefor pursuant to this chapter (i) from revenues received from the U.S. Route 58 Corridor Development Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-2300, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly; (ii) to the extent required, from revenues legally available from the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) to the extent required, from any other legally available funds that may be appropriated by the General Assembly.

D. Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Revenue Bonds issued under this chapter for Category 1 projects as provided in subdivision 12 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700 shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth. Such bonds shall be payable solely, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from revenues received from the Northern Virginia Transportation District Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-2400; (ii) to the extent required, from funds appropriated and allocated, pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law, to the highway construction district in which the project to be financed is located or to the city or county in which the project to be financed is located; (iii) to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iv) from such other funds that may be appropriated by the General Assembly.

E. Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Program Revenue Bonds issued under this chapter for projects defined in subdivision 13 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700 shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth. Such bonds shall be payable solely, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from any revenues received from any Set-aside Fund established by the General Assembly pursuant to § 58.1-816.1; (ii) to the extent required, from revenues received pursuant to any contract with a locality or any alternative mechanism for generation of local revenues for specific funding of a project satisfactory to the Board; (iii) to the extent required, from funds appropriated and allocated, pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law, to the highway construction district in which the project to be financed is located or to the city or county in which the project to be financed is located; (iv) to the extent required, from legally available revenues from the Transportation Trust Fund; and (v) from such other funds that may be appropriated by the General Assembly.

F. Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Highway Reimbursement Anticipation Notes issued under this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such obligations shall be payable solely, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from any federal highway reimbursements and any other federal highway assistance received by the Commonwealth; (ii) then, at the discretion of the Board, to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) then, from such other funds, if any, that are designated by the General Assembly for such purpose.

G. Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Credit Assistance Revenue Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such obligations shall be payable solely, subject to appropriation by the General Assembly, from revenues with respect to or generated by the project being financed thereby and any tolls or other revenues pledged by the Board as security therefor and in accordance with the applicable federal credit assistance authorized with respect to such project by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

H. Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Capital Projects Revenue Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter for projects as provided in subdivision 15 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700 shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such bonds shall be payable solely, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) from the revenues deposited into the Priority Transportation Fund established pursuant to § 33.2-1527; (ii) to the extent required, from revenues legally available from the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) to the extent required, from any other legally available funds.

I. Commonwealth of Virginia Federal Transportation Grant Anticipation Revenue Notes issued under the provisions of Article 4 (§ 33.2-1511 et seq.) of Chapter 15 and this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such notes shall be payable solely, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, (i) first from the project-specific reimbursements pursuant to § 33.2-1520; (ii) then, at the discretion of the Board, to the extent required, from legally available revenues of the Transportation Trust Fund; and (iii) then from such other funds, if any, that are designated by the General Assembly for such purpose.

J. Commonwealth of Virginia Interstate 81 Program Revenue Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth, but such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided therefor pursuant to this chapter, subject to their appropriation by the General Assembly, from revenues received from the Interstate 81 Corridor Improvement Fund from deposits thereto pursuant to § 58.1-2299.20 derived from the receipt of the regional fuels tax levied pursuant to § 58.1-2295.

K. Commonwealth of Virginia Passenger Rail Facilities Bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall not be deemed to constitute a debt of the Commonwealth or a pledge of the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth but such bonds shall be payable solely from the funds provided therefor from tolls, rates, fees, and charges pursuant to this chapter. All such bonds shall state on their face that the Commonwealth is not obligated to pay the same or the interest thereon except from revenues and funds provided from tolls, rates, fees, and charges pursuant to this chapter and the full faith and credit of the Commonwealth are not pledged to the payment of the principal of and interest on such bonds. The issuance of such revenue bonds under the provisions of this chapter shall not directly or indirectly or contingently obligate the Commonwealth to levy or to pledge any form of taxation whatsoever or to make any appropriation for their payment, other than to appropriate available funds from pledged revenues.

Code 1950, § 33-237; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-277; 1982, c. 403; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13; 1988, cc. 844, 903; 1989, Sp. Sess., cc. 9, 11; 1990, c. 710; 1991, cc. 666, 713; 1993, cc. 391, 793; 1994, cc. 233, 520, 589, 662; 1995, c. 354; 2000, cc. 1019, 1044; 2004, c. 807; 2007, c. 896; 2011, cc. 830, 868; 2014, c. 805; 2020, cc. 1230, 1275.

The bonds of such issue shall be dated, shall bear interest at such rate or rates, and shall mature at such time or times, not exceeding 40 years from their date or dates, as may be determined by the Board or by formula or method established by resolution of the Board, and may be made redeemable before maturity, at the option of the Board, at such price or prices and under such terms and conditions as may be fixed by the Board prior to the issuance of the bonds. The principal or purchase price of and redemption premium, if any, and interest on such bonds may be made payable in any lawful medium. The payments of principal and interest may be uniform in amount over the life of the bond; however, such uniformity shall not be a prerequisite to the issuance of such bonds. The Board shall determine the form of the bonds, including any interest coupons to be attached thereto, and shall fix the denomination or denominations of the bonds and the place or places of payment of principal and interest thereof, which may be at any bank or trust company within or without the Commonwealth. The bonds shall be signed by the chairman or vice-chairman of the Board, and the official seal of the Board shall be affixed thereto and attested by the secretary or assistant secretary of the Board, and any coupons attached thereto shall bear the facsimile signatures of the chairman or vice-chairman of the Board. When any officer whose signature appears on the bonds or coupons ceases to be such officer before the delivery of such bonds, such signature shall nevertheless be valid and sufficient for all purposes the same as if such officer had remained in office until such delivery. All revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter shall have and are hereby declared to have, as between successive holders, all the qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments under the negotiable instruments law of the Commonwealth. Such bonds and the income thereof shall be exempt from all taxation within the Commonwealth. The bonds may be issued in coupon or in registered form, or both, as the Board may determine, and provision may be made for the registration of any coupon bond as to principal alone and also as to both principal and interest and for the reconversion of any bonds registered as to both principal and interest into coupon bonds. Prior to the preparation of definite bonds, the Board, under like restrictions, may issue temporary bonds with or without coupons, exchangeable for definitive bonds upon the issuance of the latter. The Board may also provide for the replacement of any bond that is mutilated, destroyed, or lost.

Code 1950, § 33-238; 1958, c. 485; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-278; 1983, c. 245; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13; 2000, cc. 1019, 1044; 2014, c. 805.

Such revenue bonds may be issued without any other proceedings or the happening of any other conditions or things than those proceedings, conditions, and things that are specified and required by this chapter.

Code 1950, § 33-239; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-279; 2014, c. 805.

No bonds payable from the Transportation Trust Fund revenues under a payment agreement between the Board and the Treasury Board and payable first from revenues of that Fund received pursuant to contracts with a primary highway transportation improvement district or a transportation service district shall be issued unless specifically included in a bill or resolution passed by the General Assembly. The Treasury Board is designated the sales and paying agent of the Board with respect to such bonds.

1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13, § 33.1-279.1; 1988, cc. 844, 903; 2014, c. 805.

The Board may sell such bonds in such manner and for such price as it may determine to be for the best interests of the Commonwealth, but no such sale shall be made at a price so low as to require the payment of interest on the money received therefor at more than the maximum annual percentage rate approved by the Commonwealth Treasury Board with respect to such obligations in accordance with § 2.2-2416.

All bonds issued pursuant to the authority of this chapter are hereby made securities in which all public officers and bodies of the Commonwealth and all political subdivisions thereof; all insurance companies and associations, all national banks and trust companies, and all savings institutions, including savings and loan associations, in the Commonwealth; and all executors, administrators, trustees, and other fiduciaries, both individual or corporate, may properly and legally invest funds within their control.

Code 1950, § 33-240; 1952, c. 485; 1958, c. 485; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-280; 2000, cc. 1019, 1044; 2011, cc. 830, 868; 2014, c. 805.

The proceeds of such bonds shall be used solely for the payment of the cost of the project for which they are issued and shall be disbursed by the Board under such restrictions, if any, as the Board may provide. If the proceeds of the bonds of any issue, by error of estimates or otherwise, shall be less than the cost of the project on account of which such bonds are issued, additional bonds may in like manner be issued to provide the amount of such deficit and unless otherwise provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust indenture pursuant to § 33.2-1717 shall be deemed to be of the same issue and shall be entitled to payment from the same fund without preference or priority of the bonds first issued for the same project. If the proceeds of bonds issued for any project exceeds the cost thereof, the surplus shall be paid into the fund provided in this chapter for the payment of principal and interest of such bonds.

Code 1950, § 33-241; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-281; 2014, c. 805.

The Board may, in its discretion, couple or unite into one unit for financing purposes any two or more such projects, whether acquired by purchase or condemnation or constructed, and revenue bonds of a single issue may be issued for the purpose of paying the cost of any one or more projects, unless otherwise restricted by statute.

Code 1950, § 33-242; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-282; 2014, c. 805.

All moneys received pursuant to the authority of this chapter, whether as proceeds from the sale of revenue bonds, as grants or other contributions, or as tolls and revenues, shall be held and applied solely as provided in this chapter. The Board shall, in the resolution authorizing the issuance of bonds or in the trust indenture, provide for the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the tolls and revenues to be received into the state treasury and carried on the books of the Comptroller in a special account and may provide for the turning over, transfer, or paying over of such funds from the state treasury to any officer, agency, bank, or trust company who shall act as trustee of such funds and hold and apply the same to the purposes of this chapter, subject to such regulations as this chapter and such resolution or trust indenture may provide.

Disbursements and payments of moneys so paid into the state treasury shall be made by the State Treasurer upon warrants of the State Comptroller that he shall issue upon vouchers signed by such person or persons as shall be designated by the Board for such purpose.

Code 1950, § 33-243; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-283; 1988, cc. 844, 903; 2014, c. 805.

In the discretion of the Board, each or any issue of revenue bonds may be secured by a trust indenture by and between the Board and a corporate trustee, which may be any trust company or bank having trust powers within or outside of the Commonwealth. Such trust indenture may pledge tolls and revenues to be received, but no such trust indenture shall convey or mortgage any project or any part thereof. Either the resolution providing for the issuance of revenue bonds or such trust indenture may contain such provisions for protecting and enforcing the rights and remedies of the bondholders as may be reasonable and proper and not in violation of law, including covenants setting forth the duties of the Board in relation to the acquisition, construction, improvement, maintenance, operation, repair, and insurance of the projects and the custody, safeguarding, and application of all moneys. Such resolution or trust indenture may also provide that the project shall be acquired, or acquired and improved, or constructed, and paid for under the supervision and approval of consulting engineers employed or designated by the Board and satisfactory to the original purchasers of the bonds issued therefor and may also require that the security given by contractors and by any depository of the proceeds of the bonds or revenues of the project or other moneys pertaining thereto be satisfactory to such purchasers. Any bank or trust company within or without the Commonwealth may act as such depository and furnish such indemnifying bonds or pledge such securities as may be required by the Board. Such indenture may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and of the trustee and may restrict the individual right of action of bondholders as is customary in trust indentures securing bonds and debentures of corporations. In addition to the foregoing, such trust indenture may contain such other provisions as the Board may deem reasonable and proper for the security of the bondholders. Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the Board may provide, by resolution or by such trust indenture, that after the payment of the proceeds of the sale of the bonds and the revenues of the project into the state treasury the Board will immediately transfer or pay same over to such officer, board, or depository as it may determine for the custody thereof and for the method of disbursement thereof, with such safeguards and restrictions as it may determine. All expenses incurred in carrying out such trust indenture may be treated as a part of the cost of maintenance, operation, and repairs of the project affected by such indenture.

Code 1950, § 33-244; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-284; 2000, cc. 1019, 1044; 2014, c. 805.

The Board shall fix and revise as may be necessary tolls for the use of each project for which bonds are issued or proposed to be issued under the provisions of this chapter and shall charge and collect the same and may contract with any person, partnership, association, or corporation desiring the use of such project, approaches, and appurtenances, and any part thereof, for placing thereon water, gas, or oil pipelines or telephone, telegraph, electric light, or power lines, or for any other purpose, and may fix the terms, conditions, and rates and charges for such use. Such tolls shall be so fixed and adjusted, in respect of the aggregate of tolls from the project on account of which a single issue of bonds is issued under this chapter, as to provide a fund sufficient with other revenues of such project, if any, to pay (i) the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating such project unless such cost shall be otherwise provided for and (ii) such bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due. Such tolls shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any other state commission, board, bureau, or agency. Except for those persons exempted by § 33.2-613, it shall be unlawful for the Department or any Department employee to give or permit free passage over any project set forth in the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700 that has been secured through the issuance of revenue bonds and which bonds are payable from the revenues of such project. Every vehicle and person shall pay the same toll as others similarly situated. Except as provided in § 33.2-613, the provisions in this section shall apply with full force and effect to vehicles and employees of the state government and governments of counties, cities, and towns or other political subdivisions and to vehicles and persons of all other categories and descriptions, public, private, eleemosynary, or otherwise.

Code 1950, § 33-245; 1956, c. 158; 1968, c. 170; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-285; 1973, c. 215; 1981, c. 417; 1982, c. 242; 1983, c. 617; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13; 1988, cc. 844, 903; 2014, c. 805.

A. In connection with the Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Contract Revenue Bonds, the Board may create and establish one or more special funds (reserve funds) and shall pay into each such reserve fund from bond proceeds and any moneys appropriated and made available by the Commonwealth for the purpose of such fund and from any other moneys that may be made available to the Board for the purpose of such fund from any other source or sources. All moneys held in any reserve fund shall be used as required solely for the payment of the principal and interest of Commonwealth of Virginia Transportation Contract Revenue Bonds.

B. In order to further ensure maintenance of the reserve fund, the Commissioner of Highways shall annually, on or before December 1, make and deliver to the Governor and Director of the Department of Planning and Budget his certificate stating the sum, if any, required to restore each such reserve fund to the minimum reserve fund requirement for such fund as may be established by the Board. Within five days after the beginning of each regular session of the General Assembly, the Governor shall submit to the presiding officer of each house printed copies of a budget including the sum, if any, required to restore each such reserve fund to the minimum reserve fund requirement for such fund. All sums appropriated by the General Assembly for such restoration and paid shall be deposited by the Board in the applicable reserve fund and shall be deducted from amounts otherwise allocable pursuant to the highway allocation formula as provided by law to the highway construction district in which the project is located or to the county or counties in which the project financed is located.

1988, cc. 844, 903, § 33.1-285.1; 2014, c. 805.

The tolls and all other revenues derived from the project for which a single issue of bonds is issued, except such part thereof as may be required to pay the cost of maintaining, repairing, and operating such project and to provide such reserves therefor as may be provided for in the resolution authorizing the issuance of such bonds or in the trust indenture, shall be set aside at such regular intervals as may be provided in such resolution or such trust indenture, in a sinking fund that is hereby pledged to and charged with the payment of (i) the interest upon such bonds as such interest shall fall due, (ii) the principal of the bonds as the same shall fall due, (iii) the necessary charges of paying agents for paying principal and interest, and (iv) any premium upon bonds retired by call or purchase as provided in this section.

The use and disposition of such sinking fund shall be subject to such regulations as may be provided in the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or in the trust indenture but, except as may otherwise be provided in such resolution or trust indenture, such sinking fund shall be a fund for all such bonds without distinction or priority of one over another. Subject to the provisions of the resolution authorizing the issuance of the bonds or of the trust indenture, any moneys in such sinking fund in excess of an amount equal to one year's interest on all bonds then outstanding may be applied to the purchase or redemption of bonds. All bonds so purchased or redeemed shall forthwith be cancelled and shall not again be issued.

Code 1950, § 33-246; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-286; 2014, c. 805.

When the particular revenue bonds issued for any project and the interest thereon have been paid, or a sufficient amount has been provided for their payment and continues to be held for that purpose, the Board shall cease to charge tolls for the use of such project and thereafter such project shall be free; however, the Board may thereafter charge tolls for the use of any such project when tolls are required for maintaining, repairing, operating, improving, and reconstructing such project; when such tolls have been or are pledged by the Board to the payment of revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter for another project on approval of the General Assembly; or when such tolls are designated by the Board to be deposited into the Transportation Trust Fund. However, any such pledge of tolls of a project to the payment of bonds issued for another project shall not be effective until the principal and interest of the bonds issued for the first mentioned project has been paid or provision made for their payment.

The provisions of this section shall also apply to tolls on projects constructed pursuant to (i) the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel District and Commission established in Chapter 22 (§ 33.2-2200 et seq.) and (ii) the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority established in Chapter 29 (§ 33.2-2900 et seq.), provided their governing bodies have acted as set forth in subdivision A 3 of § 33.2-1524.

Code 1950, § 33-247; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-287; 1986, Sp. Sess., c. 13; 2009, c. 471; 2014, cc. 469, 805.

The Board may, in its discretion, use any part of funds available for the construction of state highways in any highway construction district in which any project authorized for toll revenue bond financing by the Board as described in § 33.2-1700 or by the Richmond Metropolitan Transportation Authority as established in Chapter 29 (§ 33.2-2900 et seq.) is wholly or partly located to aid in the payment of the cost of such projects and for the payment, purchase, or redemption of revenue bonds issued in connection with any such project, or in connection with any such project and any one or more other projects. The Board may also, in its discretion, use any part of funds available for the maintenance of state highways, in any highway construction district in which any such project is wholly or partly located, to provide for the operation, maintenance, and repair of any such project and for the payment of interest on revenue bonds issued in connection with any such project, or in connection with any such project and any one or more other projects. In addition, the Board may, in its discretion, use funds under the terms of this section for the emergency operation, maintenance, and repair of the project of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel District and Commission as established in Chapter 22 (§ 33.2-2200 et seq.) in the event of damage to the bridge under a repayment agreement approved by the bond trustee and may also pay to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnel Commission, for aid in the maintenance of the project, the same amounts authorized by § 33.2-319 for payments for maintenance to certain towns and cities.

If the Board uses any part of the fund available to itself for the construction of highways in the primary state highway system without reference to highway construction districts, commonly called the "gap fund," for any purpose permitted by this section, it shall not expend in excess of three-eighths of the amount of such fund, including other amounts of such fund that may be expended in the three districts in which such projects are located, provided that in no case shall any of the funds of any highway construction district other than those in which the projects are located be used for the purposes of this chapter.

Code 1950, § 33-248; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-288; 1972, c. 490; 1974, c. 242; 2006, c. 186; 2009, c. 471; 2014, cc. 469, 805.

The Board, in addition to the revenues that may be received from the sale of revenue bonds and from the collection of tolls and other revenues derived under the provisions of this chapter, may receive and accept from any federal agency or other public or private body contributions of either money or property or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied for the purposes provided in this chapter.

Code 1950, § 33-249; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-289; 2014, c. 805.

Any holder of revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter or any of the coupons attached thereto and the trustee under the trust indenture, if any, except to the extent the rights herein given may be restricted by resolution passed before the issuance of the bonds or by the trust indenture, may, either at law or in equity, by suit, action, mandamus, or other proceedings protect and enforce any and all rights under the laws of the United States or of the Commonwealth or granted hereunder or under such resolution or trust indenture and may enforce and compel performance of all duties required by this chapter, or by such resolution or trust indenture, to be performed by the Commonwealth or by the Board, or any officer thereof, including the fixing, charging, and collecting of tolls for the use of such project.

Code 1950, § 33-250; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-290; 2014, c. 805.

No bridge or tunnel other than those specified in § 33.2-1700 for the use of the traveling public shall be constructed and operated by the Commonwealth or by any county, municipal corporation, or political subdivision of the Commonwealth, or by any agency or instrumentality, partnership, association, or corporation, within 10 miles of any terminus of any project acquired or constructed under the provisions of this chapter, and no franchise shall be granted for the operation of a ferry within 10 miles of any projects for the acquisition or construction of which revenue bonds have been authorized under this chapter, except under a written permit granted by the Board, which is hereby exclusively authorized to grant such permits under the terms and conditions of this chapter. No such permit shall be granted by the Board until it ascertains by an investigation, including a hearing upon such notice and under such rules as the Board may prescribe, that there is an urgent public need for the operation of such bridge, tunnel, or ferry and that its operation will not affect the revenues of any such project of the Commonwealth so as to impair the security of any revenue bonds issued for the acquisition or construction of such project.

The distance of 10 miles specified in this section shall be measured in a straight line between the nearest points of such projects. However, nothing in this chapter shall apply to an existing ferry route, temporarily discontinued, if the ferry was established prior to 1940.

Code 1950, § 33-251; 1950, p. 147; 1954, c. 319; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-291; 2014, c. 805.

The Board may make and enter into all contracts or agreements necessary or incidental to the execution of its powers under this chapter and may employ engineering, architectural, and construction experts and inspectors, brokers, and such other employees as may be deemed necessary, who shall be paid such compensation as may be provided in accordance with law. All such compensation and all expenses incurred in carrying out the provisions of this chapter shall be paid solely from funds provided under the authority of this chapter, and no liability or obligation shall be incurred pursuant to this chapter beyond the extent to which money has been provided under the authority of this chapter. The Board may exercise any powers that are necessary or convenient for the execution of its powers under this chapter.

The Board shall maintain and keep in good condition and repair, or cause to be maintained and kept in good condition and repair, the projects authorized under this chapter, when acquired or constructed and opened to traffic, including any project or part thereof that may include portions of existing streets or roads within a county, municipality, or other political subdivision.

The Board is authorized and empowered to establish regulations for the use of any one or more of the projects defined in § 33.2-1700, as amended, including reasonable regulations relating to (i) maximum and minimum speed limits applicable to motor vehicles using such project, any other provision of law to the contrary notwithstanding; (ii) the types, kinds, and sizes of vehicles that may use such projects; (iii) the nature, size, type of materials, or substances that shall not be transported over such project; and (iv) such other matters as may be necessary or expedient in the interest of public safety with respect to the use of such project, provided that as to the project authorized under the terms of subdivision 5 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700, the provisions of clauses (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) shall not apply to existing streets within a municipality and embraced by such project, except as may be otherwise agreed upon by the Board and the municipality.

The projects acquired or constructed under this chapter may be policed in whole or in part by State Police officers even though all or some portions of any such projects lie within the corporate limits of a municipality or other political subdivision. Such officers shall be under the exclusive control and direction of the Superintendent of State Police and shall be responsible for the preservation of public peace, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals, protection of the rights of persons and property, and enforcement of the laws and regulations of the Commonwealth within the limits of any such projects. All other police officers of the Commonwealth and of each locality or other political subdivision through which any project, or portion thereof, extends shall have the same powers and jurisdiction within the limits of such projects as they have beyond such limits and shall have access to the projects at any time for the purpose of exercising such powers and jurisdiction.

The Board is authorized and empowered to employ and appoint "project guards" for the purpose of protecting the projects and to enforce the regulations of the Board, except those paralleling state law, established for the use of such projects. Such guards may issue summons to appear or arrest on view without warrant and conduct before the nearest officer authorized by law to admit to bail any persons violating, within or upon the projects, any such rule or regulation. The provisions of §§ 46.2-936 and 46.2-940 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the issuance of summons or arrests without warrants pursuant to this section.

The violation of any regulation adopted by the Board pursuant to the authority hereby granted shall be punishable as follows: If such violation would have been a violation of law if committed on any public street or highway in the county, city, or town in which such violation occurred, it shall be punishable in the same manner as if it had been committed on such public road, street, or highway; otherwise it shall be punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

The powers and duties of the Board enumerated in this chapter shall not be construed as a limitation of the general powers or duties of the Board. The Board, in addition to the powers and duties enumerated in this chapter, shall do and perform any and all things and acts necessary in the construction or acquisition, maintenance, and operation of any project to be constructed or acquired under the provisions of this chapter, to the end that such project may become and be operated free of tolls as early as possible and practicable, subject only to the express limitations of this chapter and the limitations of other laws and constitutional provisions applicable thereto.

Code 1950, § 33-252; 1956, c. 158; 1958, c. 583; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-292; 2014, c. 805; 2015, c. 256.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter and without regard to any other restrictions or limitations contained in this chapter, the Board is authorized to provide by resolution (i) for the issuance of revenue refunding bonds of the Commonwealth for the purpose of refunding any revenue bonds issued under the provisions of this chapter and then outstanding, including interest to the earliest call date of such outstanding bonds and premiums, if any, payable on such call date, and (ii) for the issuance of a single issue of revenue bonds of the Commonwealth for the combined purpose of providing funds (a) to pay the cost of either or both of the projects described in subdivisions 2 and 5 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700 in the event the Board has decided or shall decide to construct either or both of such projects under authority granted in this chapter and (b) to refund revenue bonds of the Commonwealth issued under the provisions of this chapter and then outstanding, including interest to the earliest call date of such outstanding bonds and premiums, if any, payable on such call date. For the purposes of this section, "project," in relation to the project described in subdivision 5 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700, includes approach highways thereto and bus facilities for the transportation of passengers through or over the project if the Board deems it advisable to construct such approach highways or acquire such bus facilities, and "cost of the project," in relation to the projects described in subdivisions 2 and 5 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700, includes an amount sufficient to reimburse the Board for expenditures or advances made by the Board on account of the cost of either or both of the projects and, in relation to the project described in subdivision 5 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700, includes provision of a sum deemed by the Board to be sufficient for the purpose and includes the cost of constructing approach highways and of providing bus facilities if the Board deems it expedient to construct such approach highways or acquire such facilities as a part of the project described in subdivision 5 of the definition of "project" in § 33.2-1700. In the event bonds are issued for the combined purpose set forth in clause (ii), such amount of the proceeds of such bonds as may be required, together with other funds available for such purpose, for the redemption of the outstanding bonds to be refunded shall be deposited by the Board in trust with the trustee under the trust indenture securing such outstanding bonds for the sole and exclusive purpose of paying and redeeming such bonds, and the balance of such proceeds shall be used solely for the payment of the cost of the project to be constructed.

The issuance of such bonds, the maturities and other details thereof, the rights of the holders thereof, and the duties of the Commonwealth and of the Board in respect to the same shall be governed by the provisions of this chapter as applicable.

Code 1950, § 33-253; 1954, c. 319; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-293; 2013, cc. 585, 646; 2014, c. 805.

This chapter shall be deemed to provide an additional and alternative method for actions authorized by this chapter and shall be regarded as supplemental and additional to powers conferred by other laws and shall not be regarded as in derogation of any existing powers.

Code 1950, § 33-254; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-294; 2014, c. 805.

This chapter, being necessary for the welfare of the Commonwealth and its inhabitants, shall be liberally construed to effect the purposes hereof.

Code 1950, § 33-255; 1970, c. 322, § 33.1-295; 2014, c. 805.