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Militias, Valley Metro and Mill Mountain Zoo in today’s letters to the editor.

Pick of the day: Back the governor’s plan

I read with interest the article on Jan. 11 headlined “Gas tax removal plan revs up critics.” While Gov. Bob McDonnell’s proposal may not be perfect, it does pass the litmus test of what is needed for transportation funding in Virginia:

* It provides new funding.

* It is long term and sustainable in nature.

* The funding stream has the ability to grow as the commonwealth grows.

* It addresses the issues of improved fuel efficiency and alternative fuel vehicles.

This is not just a Northern Virginia or Hampton Roads issue. Interstate 81 is one of the most significant pieces of Virginia’s infrastructure that needs improvement.

We read in this paper every day about accidents and deaths on the most heavily traveled and outdated stretches of our roadways.

Maintenance now consumes most of our available funding and leaves little for new construction to address these needed safety improvements or additional capacity.

The governor has presented a solution that many may find flaws with, but it does present a positive step forward from the current situation, and I urge our local legislators to support his proposals.

KEVIN BOCOCK

SALEM