Council backs regional transit

Charlottesville officials have unanimously backed enabling legislation that would allow the creation of a regional transit authority.

In creating such an authority, the localities would oversee the expansion of the city’s bus system and Albemarle County would have a greater say in transit decisions by carrying more of the financial burden.

The City Council reviewed the legislation, to be submitted to the General Assembly in the coming months, during its Monday meeting. The Albemarle County Board of Supervisors will do the same during its meeting today.

The second related piece of legislation, which would allow the two localities to levy taxes to raise transportation funds, is still being crafted. Getting state approval to create the regional authority likely will not be as contentious as obtaining the ability to raise taxes.

In other business Monday, city leaders also agreed that more information should be compiled on the region’s long-term water supply plan, including getting clear cost estimates and analysis from third-party experts. Councilors said a dredging study of the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir should be completed before any construction is done for the expanded Ragged Mountain Reservoir dam. The move is sure to please many of the city’s neighborhoods — six neighborhoods presented a resolution Monday backing a completed dredging study before any Ragged Mountain construction is pursued.