Article provides a broader view of the potential impacts that a Virginia Circuit Court Judge’s ruling, which found that proposed public-private partnership tolls are unconstitutional, could have on the law passed in 1995 that provided authority for P3s in the first place. Judge Cales found that P3 tolls were essentially a tax on Virginians and taxes can only be levied by the Virginia General Assembly. The state could face penalties and liabilities of nearly $3.5 billion if the ruling is upheld. It could also jeopardize the future of transportation P3s for without tolls there are fewer incentives for the private sector to be involved. It goes on to provide details on the specific projects that would be impacted.
