Addressing rural transportation challenges in coastal Virginia

OPINION:

Virginia’s 1st District encompasses some of the most unique transportation challenges in the country. From congested highways to strained commuter rail systems and deteriorating roads and bridges to sediment-filled waterways, our infrastructure faces significant hurdles. This is particularly evident in Virginia’s Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula, where residents depend heavily on a robust network of roads, bridges, rivers, and channels for transportation integral to our local economies. As someone who commutes daily from Montross to Washington when Congress is in session, and frequently drives across the district to meet with constituents, I witness these challenges firsthand.

Addressing rural transportation infrastructure is crucial for U.S. national security and economic competitiveness on the world stage. In Virginia’s 1st District, which includes many rural areas, our infrastructure demands special attention. As the representative for the 1st District, I see my role as a vital link in communicating local infrastructure needs to state and federal authorities.

By advocating for grant applications, seeking authorizing language through legislation such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act or Water Resources Development Act, supporting surface transportation legislation, and preemptively connecting local stakeholders with state and federal officials, we can secure the necessary funding for projects specifically designed to meet the needs of our rural communities.

My background in local government — as a former town council member and mayor of Montross, former chairman of the Westmoreland Board of Supervisors, and former delegate in the Virginia General Assembly — has given me a deep understanding that transportation issues are best addressed through collaborative efforts between local, state, and federal governments. A one-size-fits-all mandate from the federal level is not the solution. Instead, we need a tailored approach that considers the unique needs of each community.

Whether it is drawing attention to a much-needed project or advocating for funding, it is essential to foster cooperation between the federal, state, and local governments to streamline progress on rural transportation projects. Such initiatives are vital for projects like the Robert O. Norris Bridge, which connects Lancaster County and Middlesex County across the Rappahannock River. In its seventh decade of operation, the Norris Bridge has faced significant wear and tear from the elements and increasing traffic. Replacing this bridge is not just a matter of facilitating regional commerce, but also ensuring the safety of motorists. I have long highlighted concerns about the bridge’s safety through roundtables with county and state officials and urged U.S. Department of Transportation officials to support its replacement.

Now, the bridge is funded through the Commonwealth Transportation Board. A survey and site assessment has already been completed, and a geotechnical review is currently being conducted. Next, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will conduct a National Environmental Policy Act review before acquisition can proceed. I’m proud of the significant progress we’ve made and pleased to see the outlook improving.

This collaborative approach also includes leveraging the federal government to ensure our local communities have the resources to plan and revitalize waterfronts, which are essential to our seafood industry, watermen, and local businesses. That is why I am a strong supporter of the Keep America’s Waterfronts Working Act, which provides grants to coastal states to help preserve and expand access for water-dependent businesses.

The federal government’s role is not to dictate specific construction projects, but to empower states and localities so they can prioritize their infrastructure projects. I am committed to advocating for initiatives that emphasize innovation, leverage public-private partnerships, and ensure the safety of motorists and mariners across our region.

Investing in rural transportation infrastructure is not just about building roads, bridges, and maintaining waterways; it’s about connecting communities, enhancing safety, and fostering economic growth. By working together — across local, state, and federal governments — we can address the unique transportation challenges of Virginia’s 1st District and create a more connected and prosperous future for all residents.

• Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va., serves as vice chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and as a senior member of the House Natural Resources Committee. Prior to his election in Congress, he spent 26 years working for the Virginia Department of Health’s Division of Shellfish Sanitation and as an environmental health specialist for local health departments in Virginia’s Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula regions.