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This piece covers the decision by a Portsmouth Circuit Court which declared Virginia’s $2.1 billion public-private partnership Midtown Tunnel deal and its tolls unconstitutional. The decision from Judge James A Cales Jr. came as a great relief to the residents who had been working against the project which they feel is unfair and punitive for commuters and businesses. Cales held that the General Assembly exceeded its authority in giving Virginia Department of Transportation authority to set toll rates under the 1995 Public-Private Partnership Transportation Act. Virginia’s Governor, Bob McDonnell and Attorney General have vowed to appeal the decision as they feel the tolling plan is legal, and the consequences are very grave for the future of the project and others should the ruling stand. Article provides detail on the court proceedings, the plaintiffs and defendants, and expands upon the Judge’s ruling.
